Unveiling a new chapter in our planet's geographical narrative, we now have a fifth ocean to explore. Can you name them all? Dive into the depths of this intriguing revelation and test your geographical prowess.
The Gerlache Strait lies off the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, in the large band of ocean around Antarctica that has been reclassified as the Southern Ocean by National Geographic cartographers.
Since National Geographic began making maps in 1915, it has recognized four oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans
- Starting on June 8, World Oceans Day, it will recognize the Southern Southern Ocean as the world’s fifth ocean.
Mapping the world as it is
Since the late 1970s, the National Geographic Society has employed a geographer who oversees changes and tweaks to every map that’s published
- In disputed areas, Tait works with a team of geographers and editors to determine what most accurately represents a given region
- Minor changes happen weekly or biweekly
- Major changes, like labeling the Southern Ocean, are more rare
- Generally, National Geographic has followed the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) on marine names
An ocean defined by its current
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) flows from west to east around Antarctica, in a broad fluctuating band roughly centered around a latitude of 60 degrees south-the line that is now defined as the northern boundary of the Southern Ocean.
- Extending from the surface to the ocean floor, the ACC transports more water than any other ocean current and helps drive a global circulation system known as the conveyor belt.
An environment like no other
The Southern Ocean “encompasses unique and fragile marine ecosystems that are home to wonderful marine life such as whales, penguins, and seals,” notes National Geographic Explorer in Residence Enric Sala. Thousands of species live there and nowhere else.
- By drawing attention to the Southern Ocean, the National Geographic Society hopes to promote its conservation.
