Oceanography

The Antarctic Ocean

         The Antarctic Ocean, at times referred to as the “southern ocean”, dominates the entire Southern Hemisphere with no landmass interruptions. The Antarctic Ocean extends to 40°S, touching the southern tips of Africa and Australia. It thus encompasses approximately 75 million square kilometers and accounts for over 20 percent of the total area of all oceans.

         The Antarctic Ocean was intensively studied during the International Geophysical Year in 1957. Since then the United States, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries have maintained research stations for continuing study of the Antarctic Ocean. This ocean is in the path of the west winds, which trigger the powerful westwind drift, a west –east current of the upper layers of water.