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The World Factbook

Southern Ocean

Photos of Southern Ocean

US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, a heavy icebreaker homeported in Seattle, Washington, rests in the ice as the motor vessel Ocean Giant departs from the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Station on 1 February 2017. One of the primary responsibilities of the Polar Star's crew is to provide an escort for the Ocean Giant through the frozen Ross Sea off of Antarctica. Photo courtesy of the US Coast Guard/ Chief Petty Officer David Mosley.

Introduction

World Factbook Glyph

Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Geography

Major ocean currents

Major World Ocean Currents:
Major World Ocean Currents

Bathymetry

Figure 1. Profile of the sea floor:
Figure 1. Profile of the sea floor
Figure 2. Southern Ocean:
Figure 2. Southern Ocean
Figure 3. Antarctica - Pacific Ocean view:
Figure 3. Antarctica - Pacific Ocean view
Figure 4. Antarctica - Atlantic and Indian Ocean view:
Figure 4. Antarctica - Atlantic and Indian Ocean view

Elevation

Distance Sunlight Travels in the Ocean:
Distance Sunlight Travels in the Ocean

Environment

Government

Transportation