Southern Ocean

American  

[suhth-ern oh-shuhn] / ˈsʌð ərn ˈoʊ ʃən /

noun

1. the waters surrounding Antarctica, comprising the southernmost waters of the World Ocean, with its deepest section in the South Sandwich Trench. 8,478,800 square miles (21,960,000 square kilometers).

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Southern Ocean British  

noun

1. another name for the Antarctic Ocean

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Etymology

Origin of Southern Ocean

First recorded in 1660–70, referring to any southern sea; current sense dates from 1700–10

Example Sentences

For years, researchers studying the Southern Ocean have pointed to one possible upside in an otherwise troubling climate outlook.

From Science Daily

Even though Antarctic waters are dark for months at a time, the Southern Ocean supports abundant phytoplankton growth.

From Science Daily

Together, these findings challenge long standing assumptions about iron sources in the Southern Ocean as the planet warms.

From Science Daily

The study, published in Communications Earth and Environment, raises new questions about where iron in the Southern Ocean actually originates.

From Science Daily

Based on these findings, the researchers conclude that continued loss of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could reduce the Southern Ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide as the climate warms.

From Science Daily