Table of Contents
What is the Southern Ocean called?
Antarctic
Historically, there are four named oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic. However, most countries – including the United States – now recognize the Southern (Antarctic) as the fifth ocean. The Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian are the most commonly known.
Why Antarctic Ocean is called Southern Ocean?
The Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, comprises the southernmost waters of the World Ocean, generally taken to be south of 60° S latitude and encircling Antarctica. By way of his voyages in the 1770s, James Cook proved that waters encompassed the southern latitudes of the globe.
What was the name of the Southern Ocean before?
Antarctic Ocean
Previously also called Antarctic Ocean informally, this body of water encircling the coldest continent has long been recognised by scientists, but due to a lack of international consensus, it was never officially acknowledged.
When was the Antarctic Ocean renamed Southern Ocean?
1999
Soon after, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recognized the body of water as the fifth ocean in 1999 after the Board of Geographic Names approved the title, “Southern Ocean,” reports Paulina Firozi for the Washington Post.
When was the Antarctic Ocean named?
Soon after, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recognized the body of water as the fifth ocean in 1999 after the Board of Geographic Names approved the title, “Southern Ocean,” reports Paulina Firozi for the Washington Post.
When did the Antarctic Ocean become an ocean?
An ocean defined by its current Scientists estimate that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) was established roughly 34 million years ago, when Antarctica separated from South America. That allowed for the unimpeded flow of water around the bottom of the Earth.
Was the Southern Ocean always called the Southern Ocean?
“The Southern Ocean has long been recognized by scientists, but because there was never agreement internationally, we never officially recognized it,” says National Geographic Society Geographer Alex Tait.