A fifth ocean is confirmed

You may think you know all of the world’s oceans: the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian and Pacific. However, cartographers (people who make maps) at National Geographic have now recognised a new, fifth, ocean.

All five of the world’s oceans are connected to one another but the new Southern Ocean is the body of water that wraps around the Antarctic. Some scientists have long held the view that it is a new ocean, whereas others have said it is simply the chilly parts of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans.

However, new evidence shows that the waters of the Southern Ocean are notably colder and less salty than the waters in other seas. They are also home to unique wildlife, including species of seals and whales that do not live anywhere else. The edges of this new ocean are marked by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, a constant flow of sea water around Antarctica.

Pacific Ocean The Southern Ocean is surrounded by other oceans. Atlantic Ocean Southern Ocean Antarctica Southern Ocean Indian Ocean