The Antarctic Waters
🌊 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
🐧Emperor Penguin
🦭Leopard Seal
🐋Orca
🦐Antarctic Krill
🦭Weddell Seal
🦅Albatross
Unusual Creatures
🐟Antarctic Icefish
Has antifreeze glycoproteins and no hemoglobin
🦑Colossal Squid
Largest invertebrate, eyes size of dinner plates
🪱Antarctic Scale Worm
Golden, sparkly deep-sea worm
🕷️Sea Spider
Giant sea spiders up to 25 cm span
Unique to This Ocean
🐟Antarctic Toothfish
Can survive in -2°C waters, endemic to Southern Ocean
🦭Ross Seal
Least common seal, found only in Antarctic pack ice
🐟Antarctic Silverfish
Keystone species, found only in Antarctic waters