Southern Ocean (suhth-ern oh-shuhn)
Ocean
The Southern Ocean, encircling Antarctica, is the fourth-largest body of water. It is unique due to its powerful ocean currents that circulate water around the entire globe, playing a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. The Southern Ocean is vital for its influence on the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and its impact on marine biodiversity. In recent years, it has been closely studied for its indicators of climate change, including melting ice shelves and shifts in marine ecosystems.