ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the geography, characteristics and functioning of the main physical and biological systems of the Southern Ocean. The geography of the Southern Ocean is influenced by the symmetry of the continent, its ice masses and the atmospheric circulation pattern. It is clear that both the distribution and spatial interaction of Antarctic atmospheric and topographic factors fundamentally affect the distribution and extent of ocean currents, sea ice and icebergs within the Southern Ocean. An important feature of the Southern Ocean is the pattern and variability of the seasonal sea ice zone. The presence or absence of sea ice is important to the climate and the timing of biological activity in the Southern Ocean. Recent modelling of primary production in the sea ice suggests that it contributes up to 4" of the total biogenic carbon production of the Southern Ocean and up to 25" of the production of the ice-covered Southern Ocean.
