Scotia Sea

This species is part of the Blue Biome marine biodiversity dataset.

This species is part of the Blue Biome marine biodiversity dataset.

This species is part of the Blue Biome marine biodiversity dataset.

This species is part of the Blue Biome marine biodiversity dataset.

The Arctic Ocean is one of the coldest seas on Earth, with thick ice on the surface. In winter it stays dark for months, but in summer the sun shines all day and algae bloom under the ice. Openings in the ice, called leads and polynyas, let light and air into the water. Northern lights and rapid warming make this icy ocean both magical and fragile.

The Iceland–Faroe Ridge is a shallow underwater bridge between Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Cold, heavy water flows over it into the Atlantic, driving global ocean currents. These flows are part of the “conveyor belt” that moves heat around the planet. The ridge itself is built from both old rocks and volcanic crust.

The Southern Ocean circles Antarctica with fierce winds, giant waves, and winter sea ice that doubles the continent’s size. It is full of life, with tiny shrimp-like krill feeding penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds. Its waters are linked by the strong Antarctic Circumpolar Current, a huge river of water moving around the globe. This ocean also stores carbon and helps regulate Earth’s climate.

Catching too many fish removes predators and weakens the ecosystem