Southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean the body of water that surrounds Antarctica is officially the fifth ocean now.

The Southern Ocean, which encircles Antarctica, will now have the same status as the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, as well as the same typeface.

The Southern Ocean, isn’t quite new, as this body of water has exist. Since Antarctica and South America split some 30 million years ago.

However, the Southern Ocean, has many peculiarities.

1. It is the only ocean that touches three other oceans and entirely embraces a continent in contrast to other oceans that are surrounded and enveloped by continents.
2. Its northernmost point is 60 degrees south latitude beyond Antarctica Circle.
   The Antarctic Circumpolar Currentformerly known as West Wind Drift travels from west to east, defines it.
3. The Southern Ocean has substantial population of Whales, penguins, and seals.
4. Commercial fishing on krill and Patagonian toothfish has been a source of concern for decades.

By legally altering the name of the waterbody, it wanted to raise attention to these challenges, as well as the fast warming of the Southern Ocean as a result of global warming.