Southern Ocean

Definition

The Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, is the ocean surrounding Antarctica, extending from the coast of the continent to 60 degrees south latitude. This ocean plays a crucial role in regulating global climate and ocean circulation patterns, serving as a unique habitat that supports diverse marine life and is vital for understanding patterns of marine biodiversity and distribution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Southern Ocean is recognized for its unique ecosystem, which includes a variety of species found nowhere else on Earth, like certain types of penguins and seals.
2. This ocean is characterized by cold temperatures and high nutrient levels, which contribute to its rich biodiversity and support large populations of phytoplankton and krill.
3. The Southern Ocean is critical for global ocean circulation, particularly through the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which helps distribute heat and nutrients across the world's oceans.
4. Climate change is significantly impacting the Southern Ocean, leading to changes in sea ice extent and affecting the habitats of many marine species.
5. The Southern Ocean's isolation from other oceans has resulted in a unique evolutionary path for many species, making it an important area for studying marine biodiversity.

Review Questions

• How does the Southern Ocean influence global climate and marine biodiversity?
  • The Southern Ocean plays a vital role in global climate regulation by influencing ocean circulation patterns through the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This current helps distribute heat and nutrients worldwide while supporting a diverse array of marine life. The unique conditions of cold temperatures and high nutrient levels contribute to rich biodiversity, fostering species like krill and various seabirds that rely on this habitat.
• Discuss the ecological significance of krill within the Southern Ocean ecosystem.
  • Krill are integral to the Southern Ocean's ecosystem as they serve as a primary food source for various marine predators such as seals, whales, and seabirds. Their abundance supports a complex food web, making them essential for maintaining ecological balance. Additionally, krill play a key role in carbon cycling by consuming phytoplankton and excreting carbon-rich waste, which helps sequester carbon in deeper waters.
• Evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on the Southern Ocean's marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • Climate change poses significant threats to the Southern Ocean's ecosystems by altering sea ice extent, water temperatures, and nutrient availability. These changes can lead to shifts in species distribution and abundance, disrupting established food webs. As certain species adapt or migrate while others may decline or face extinction, understanding these impacts becomes crucial for conservation efforts aimed at protecting this unique environment and its biodiversity.

Related terms

Antarctic Circumpolar Current:

A major ocean current that flows around Antarctica and connects the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, influencing global climate and marine ecosystems.

Phytoplankton:

Microscopic plants that form the base of the marine food web in the Southern Ocean, providing essential nutrients for a wide variety of marine organisms.

Krill: Small, shrimp-like crustaceans that are abundant in the Southern Ocean, serving as a crucial food source for many larger marine species, including seals, penguins, and whales.