Drake Passage

Drake Passage
GMT (OMC) base map modified by Giovanni Fattori · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Drake Passage
Location	Southern Ocean, between Antarctica and South America
Coordinates	57°S 67°W
Length	800 km
Width	500-1000 km
Depth	3,700 m

Drake Passage. The Drake Passage is a significant waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, separating Antarctica from South America, specifically Cape Horn and the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. It is a critical component of the Southern Ocean and plays a vital role in the global ocean circulation, influencing the ocean currents and climate patterns of the surrounding regions, including the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island. The passage is also an important habitat for various marine species, including humpback whales, minke whales, and seabirds such as the wandering albatross and the rockhopper penguin.

Geography

The Drake Passage is approximately 800 kilometers long and 500-1000 kilometers wide, with a maximum depth of 3,700 meters. It is situated between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, and its geography is characterized by strong ocean currents and tides, which have a significant impact on the marine ecosystems of the surrounding areas, including the Weddell Sea and the Scotia Sea. The passage is also influenced by the Kerguelen Plateau and the Falkland Plateau, which are oceanic plateaus that play a crucial role in shaping the bathymetry of the region. The United States Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have conducted extensive research on the geography of the Drake Passage, including its seafloor topography and sedimentation patterns.

Climate

The climate of the Drake Passage is cold and temperate, with strong winds and waves that are influenced by the westerlies and the polar front. The passage is also affected by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Southern Annular Mode, which are climate patterns that have a significant impact on the global climate. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the World Meteorological Organization have conducted research on the climate of the Drake Passage, including its temperature and salinity patterns, as well as its sea ice coverage and ocean acidification. The National Snow and Ice Data Center and the British Antarctic Survey have also studied the climate of the region, including its glaciers and ice sheets.

History

The Drake Passage has a rich history of exploration and navigation, with the first recorded crossing by Sir Francis Drake in 1578. The passage was later navigated by James Cook and Ferdinand Magellan, who were explorers that played a significant role in the history of navigation. The Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration saw several expeditions to the region, including those led by Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, who were pioneers in the field of Antarctic research. The United States Antarctic Program and the Australian Antarctic Division have also conducted research in the region, including geological and biological studies.

Marine Life

The Drake Passage is home to a diverse range of marine species, including whales, seals, and seabirds. The passage is a critical habitat for humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas, which are mammals that are protected by the International Whaling Commission and the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. The World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature have also worked to protect the marine ecosystems of the Drake Passage, including its coral reefs and kelp forests. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Smithsonian Institution have conducted research on the marine life of the passage, including its fisheries and marine biodiversity.

Navigation and Shipping

The Drake Passage is an important shipping route, with several cargo ships and cruise ships passing through the region each year. The passage is also used by research vessels, including those operated by the United States Coast Guard and the British Royal Navy. The International Maritime Organization and the World Shipping Council have established safety regulations and environmental guidelines for ships operating in the region, including oil spill response plans and waste management protocols. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Marine Conservation Institute have also worked to improve the safety and sustainability of shipping in the Drake Passage.

Scientific Research

The Drake Passage is a significant location for scientific research, with several research stations and field camps operating in the region. The National Science Foundation and the European Union have funded research projects on the oceanography and ecology of the passage, including its phytoplankton and zooplankton communities. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have also conducted research on the geology and geophysics of the region, including its seafloor spreading and plate tectonics. The American Geophysical Union and the International Association for Biological Oceanography have also published research on the Drake Passage, including its ocean currents and marine ecosystems. Category:Strait