Country Profile: Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean, delineated in 2000 by the International Hydrographic Organization, is a significant body of water encircling Antarctica, extending to 60 degrees south latitude. It plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation due to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which is the largest and strongest ocean current in the world. The region is ecologically rich, supporting diverse marine life, including significant stocks of krill and fish. As a largely ungoverned oceanic expanse, it is subject to various international environmental agreements aimed at preserving its fragile ecosystems.
Geography
The Southern Ocean is situated between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica, encompassing a vast area of approximately 21.96 million square kilometers, making it the fourth largest ocean basin globally. This circumpolar body features a coastline of about 17,968 km and is characterized by extreme climate conditions, including the strongest average winds found on Earth. The ocean's depth varies significantly, with an average mean depth of 3,270 meters and an extreme low point at the South Sandwich Trench reaching 7,434 meters.
- 21.96 million sq km - Total area
- 17,968 km - Coastline length
- 3,270 m - Mean ocean depth
- 71.8 million cu km - Total ocean volume
- 5.4% - Percentage of world ocean total volume
Environment
The Southern Ocean faces various environmental challenges, including both natural and human-induced changes to its physical and biological systems. It is governed by international agreements that regulate whaling, sealing, and fishing activities, critical for maintaining its ecological balance. Notably, mineral exploration is banned to protect the ocean's unique environment. The region's climate is marked by temperature variations, with sea temperatures ranging from 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius.
- 388,901 mt - Total fish catch in 2021
- 95.5% - Proportion of Antarctic krill in total catch
- 241,408 mt - Catch by Norway in 2021
- 47,605 mt - Catch by China in 2021
- 39,487 mt - Catch by South Korea in 2021
Government
The Southern Ocean does not have a formal government structure, as it is primarily defined by international agreements and treaties. The definition of the Southern Ocean as the waters south of 60 degrees south latitude was circulated by the International Hydrographic Organization in 2002 and is recognized by many nations, including the US, although it is not officially adopted.
Transportation
The Southern Ocean is notable for the Drake Passage, which serves as an alternative transport route to the Panama Canal, reflecting its strategic importance for maritime shipping.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Total Area | 21.96 million sq km | Total area of the Southern Ocean |
| Coastline Length | 17,968 km | Length of the coastline |
| Mean Depth | 3,270 m | Average ocean depth |
| Total Ocean Volume | 71.8 million cu km | Total volume of the Southern Ocean |
| Percentage of World Ocean | 5.4% | Total volume percentage |
| Total Fish Catch (2021) | 388,901 mt | Total marine catch |
| Antarctic krill Proportion | 95.5% | Proportion of krill in total catch |
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