The Southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean is the ocean at the very bottom of the Earth. It goes all the way around the icy land of Antarctica. The water is cold and full of big waves. Penguins, whales, and seals love to swim here.

A Ring Around Antarctica

The Southern Ocean is the only ocean that completely circles a continent. It surrounds Antarctica like a giant ring. Strong currents move the water all the way around the world here. These currents help control the weather on Earth. The wind and waves are some of the strongest anywhere.

Amazing Animals

Many cool animals live in the Southern Ocean. Penguins waddle on the ice and dive for fish. Huge blue whales, the biggest animals on Earth, feed on tiny krill here. Seals sleep on floating ice. Albatrosses are big birds that glide over the waves for hours without flapping.

Fun Facts

• The Southern Ocean was officially named in the year 2000.
• It holds some of the biggest icebergs in the world.
• The water can be colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit and still not freeze because it is salty.

Did You Know?

A type of tiny shrimp called krill lives in huge swarms in the Southern Ocean and is the main food for many whales.