🌊 Southern Ocean
Explore the mysterious Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, home to unique wildlife and pristine wilderness.
About the Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, encircles Antarctica and is the fourth-largest ocean. Its frigid waters are rich in nutrients, supporting incredible biodiversity.
Home to emperor penguins, seals, and whales, the Southern Ocean is a vital ecosystem. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the strongest ocean current, flows through its waters.
Quick Facts
Area
21.96 million km²
Max Depth
7,235 m (South Sandwich Trench)
Avg Depth
3,270 m
Avg Temperature
-2°C to 10°C
Salinity
34-35 ppt
Major Current
Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Bordering Regions
Notable Islands
Marine Wildlife
Famous Species
Unusual Creatures
Has antifreeze glycoproteins and no hemoglobin
Largest invertebrate, eyes size of dinner plates
Golden, sparkly deep-sea worm
Giant sea spiders up to 25 cm span
Unique to This Ocean
Can survive in -2°C waters, endemic to Southern Ocean
Least common seal, found only in Antarctic pack ice
Keystone species, found only in Antarctic waters