Sage-Tips

Why did National Geographic decide to recognize the Southern Ocean?

While all of the planet’s ocean waters are interconnected, National Geographic made the decision to identify the Southern Ocean separately because of the distinct currents, wildlife and other ecological features that set it apart from the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans.

What is Earth’s Fifth ocean?

the Southern Ocean
National Geographic, one of the world’s pre-eminent and most visible mapmaking groups, has officially decreed the existence of a fifth ocean. Called the Southern Ocean, it’s the body of water that surrounds Antarctica.

When did Antarctic Ocean become the Southern Ocean?

roughly 30 million years ago
The Southern Ocean, geologically the youngest of the oceans, was formed when Antarctica and South America moved apart, opening the Drake Passage, roughly 30 million years ago. The separation of the continents allowed the formation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

When was the Southern Ocean officially recognized?

1999
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officials said the federal agency recognized the body as the fifth ocean in 1999, when the U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved the name “Southern Ocean.”

When did National Geographic recognize the Southern Ocean?

The National Geographic magazine has recognised the ‘Southern Ocean’ as the world’s fifth ocean June 8, 2021 hoping others will soon follow suit. Usually, the magazine has followed the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) on marine names, it said in an article notifying the change.

Why is National Geographic changing their maps to include a 5th ocean named the Southern Ocean?

Why the change now? It’s due to the conservation efforts surrounding the Southern Ocean. The Southern Ocean “encompasses unique and fragile marine ecosystems that are home to wonderful marine life such as whales, penguins, and seals,” National Geographic Explorer in Residence Enric Sala told the magazine.

Does Canada recognize the Southern Ocean?

For its part, National Geographic says the Southern Ocean encompasses most of the waters surrounding Antarctica out to 60 degrees south latitude, excluding the Drake Passage and Scotia Sea. CBC has reached out to Environment and Climate Change Canada to find out Canada’s position on the number of world oceans.

What is the world’s 5th ocean?

Starting on June 8, World Oceans Day, it will recognize the Southern Ocean as the world’s fifth 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.

What is another name for the Southern Ocean?

Many members of the IHO, according to National Geographic, have referred to the Southern Ocean as the Antarctic Ocean or the Austral Ocean.

What makes the Southern Ocean so unique?

As described in National Geographic by NOAA marine scientist Seth Sykora-Bodie, the Southern Ocean is unique in that “the glaciers are bluer, the air colder, the mountains more intimidating and the landscapes more captivating than anywhere else you can go.”

How often does National Geographic change the names of oceans?

Minor changes happen on a weekly or biweekly basis. Major changes, like labeling the Southern Ocean, are more rare. Generally, National Geographic has followed the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) on marine names.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WyWTOstxOQ