ANTARCTIC OCEAN Meaning and
Definition
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The Antarctic Ocean, also referred to as the Southern Ocean, is the body of water that surrounds the continent of Antarctica and is located at the southernmost part of the Earth. It is an oceanic division that spans the Antarctic Circle, serving as a distinct boundary from the other major oceans on the planet.
The Antarctic Ocean covers an expansive area of approximately 20.3 million square kilometers (7.8 million square miles) and is notably characterized by its extreme cold and harsh conditions. It is known for being one of the iciest, windiest, and least hospitable regions on Earth. The ocean's waters are in direct contact with the Antarctic ice sheet, which is composed of a vast amount of ice that covers nearly the entire continent.
Due to its unique geographical location and climatic conditions, the Antarctic Ocean plays a crucial role in the shaping of Earth's climate system and global circulation patterns. It is a vital component in maintaining the delicate balance of the world's oceans, as it serves as a major sink for carbon dioxide, absorbing a significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions. The waters of the Antarctic Ocean are also home to a wide range of marine life, including penguins, seals, whales, and various species of fish.
Common Misspellings for ANTARCTIC OCEAN
- zntarctic ocean
- sntarctic ocean
- wntarctic ocean
- qntarctic ocean
- abtarctic ocean
- amtarctic ocean
- ajtarctic ocean
- ahtarctic ocean
- anrarctic ocean
- anfarctic ocean
- angarctic ocean
- anyarctic ocean
- an6arctic ocean
- an5arctic ocean
- antzrctic ocean
- antsrctic ocean
- antwrctic ocean
- antqrctic ocean
- antaectic ocean
Etymology of ANTARCTIC OCEAN
The word "Antarctic" originates from the Greek word "antarktikos", meaning "opposite the bear" or "opposite the north". It is formed by combining the Greek prefix "anti-" meaning "opposite" and the Greek word "arktos" meaning "bear". This was a reference to the constellation Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, which is commonly used to navigate the northern hemisphere.
The term "Antarctic Ocean" is used to describe the ocean surrounding Antarctica. It was named as such due to its location in the southernmost region of the Earth, opposite the Arctic Ocean located in the northernmost part of the Earth. The name "Antarctic Ocean" was first officially recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 2000, replacing the previous term "Southern Ocean" that was commonly used to refer to the same body of water.
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