What was the Southern Ocean called before? This question delves into the rich history of maritime exploration and the evolving understanding of Earth’s oceans. Before being officially named the Southern Ocean, this vast body of water had various names, reflecting the changing perspectives of explorers and cartographers over the centuries.
The Southern Ocean, also known as the Southern Hemisphere’s polar sea, is the largest and most southern of the world’s five principal oceans. It surrounds the continent of Antarctica and connects the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Before gaining its current name, it was known by several different titles.
One of the earliest names for this region was the Southern Sea, which was used by ancient Greek and Roman navigators. The term “Southern Sea” was a broad and somewhat vague description, reflecting the limited knowledge of the ocean’s true extent and characteristics during those times.
Another early name for the Southern Ocean was the Southern Polar Sea. This name was introduced by European explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries, as they began to explore the southern regions of the world. The term “Southern Polar Sea” emphasized the connection of this ocean to the Earth’s polar regions and its unique, icy conditions.
The Southern Ocean was also known as the Roaring Forties and the Furious Fifties. These names were given by navigators due to the strong westerly winds that prevail in this region, which can reach speeds of up to 60 knots. The Roaring Forties refer to the latitude range between 40° and 50° south, while the Furious Fifties refer to the area between 50° and 60° south.
In the 19th century, as scientific exploration and mapping of the world’s oceans advanced, the term “Southern Ocean” began to gain popularity. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) officially recognized the Southern Ocean in 2000, defining it as the waters south of 60° south latitude. This name was chosen to reflect the unique ecological and physical characteristics of this region, as well as its distinct separation from the surrounding oceans.
In conclusion, the Southern Ocean has been known by various names throughout history, each reflecting the evolving understanding of this vast and mysterious region. From the early Greek and Roman terms to the more descriptive names given by European explorers, the Southern Ocean’s many names highlight the journey of human exploration and the ever-growing knowledge of our planet’s oceans.
