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Definition 2024


Southern_Ocean

Southern Ocean

English

Various IHO definitions of the Southern Ocean and a rough approximation of the Antarctic Convergence.

Proper noun

Southern Ocean

  1. The portion of the World Ocean surrounding Antarctica, variously taken as the waters south of the Antarctic Circle, the waters south of 60° S, or the waters bounded by the Antarctic Convergence.

Usage notes

Per the terms of the 3rd edition of the Limits of Oceans and Seas currently in force, the territory of the "Antarctic or Southern Ocean" is presently divided among the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. The draft 4th edition published in 2002 calling it simply the "Southern Ocean" has not been adopted owing to other disputes, but is sometimes used as an authority for the ocean's existence.

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See also

References

  1. International Hydrographic Organization. "Limits of Oceans and Seas (Special Publication № 23)", 3rd ed., p. 4. 1953.
  2. International Hydrographic Organization. "S-23 Draft 2002", Ch. 10: "Southern Ocean and its Sub-divisions". 2002.