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Drake Passage, recently seen in the news, is located between:
  • a)
    Madagascar and Kenya
  • b)
    Russia and USA
  • c)
    France and Ecuador
  • d)
    Antarctica Peninsula and South America
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Drake Passage, recently seen in the news, is located between:a)Madagas...
Recently, a research expedition in the Southern Ocean has mapped a string of seamounts that help to shape the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
  • The Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean) is one of the five great ocean basins on Earth.
  • It was formed around 34 million years ago when Antarctica and South America drifted apart, creating the Drake Passage.
  • The passage is located between the Antarctica Peninsula’s tip and South America. 
  • It is made up of the portions of the world ocean south of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans and their tributary seas surrounding Antarctica below 60° S.
  • Physiography
  • The structure of the ocean floor includes a continental shelf usually less than 160 miles (about 260 km) wide that attains its maximum width of more than 1,600 miles (2,600 km) in the vicinity of the Weddell and Ross seas.
  • It is known for its strong winds, intense storms, dramatic seasonal changes and cold temperatures.
  • It is dominated by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC): the longest, strongest, deepest-reaching current on earth.
  • The ACC circulates clockwise around the continent, carrying more water around the globe than any other current.
  • Biodiversity: The Ocean supports a variety of plants and animals, with most animals relying on the rich phytoplankton from the Antarctic Convergence. Marine life includes whales, penguins, orcas, and seals. 
Hence option d is the correct answer.
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Community Answer
Drake Passage, recently seen in the news, is located between:a)Madagas...
Drake Passage is located between the Antarctica Peninsula and South America. It is a body of water that connects the southwestern Atlantic Ocean to the southeastern Pacific Ocean.

The passage is named after the English explorer Sir Francis Drake, who is believed to have been the first European to sail through this treacherous route in the late 16th century.

Here are the key points about the location of Drake Passage:

1. Geographical Location:
- Located in the southern part of the globe, Drake Passage lies between the southern tip of South America (Cape Horn) and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica.
- It extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west.

2. Width and Depth:
- The passage is approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) wide at its narrowest point.
- It is known for its strong winds, rough seas, and powerful currents caused by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

3. Importance:
- Drake Passage is a crucial route for the circulation of water between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
- The passage acts as a gateway for the movement of cold Antarctic waters northward and the flow of warmer sub-Antarctic waters southward.
- It plays a vital role in regulating global oceanic and climatic patterns.

4. Scientific Significance:
- The passage is of great interest to scientists and researchers studying marine biology, oceanography, and climate change.
- It is a prime location for conducting studies on ocean currents, marine life, and the impact of climate change on the Southern Ocean.

5. Challenging Navigation:
- Drake Passage is notorious for its harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, high waves, icebergs, and fog.
- The turbulent waters and unpredictable weather make it one of the most challenging and dangerous navigational routes for ships.

In conclusion, Drake Passage is located between the Antarctica Peninsula and South America, serving as a crucial passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its challenging conditions and scientific significance make it an area of interest for exploration and research.
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Drake Passage, recently seen in the news, is located between:a)Madagascar and Kenyab)Russia and USAc)France and Ecuadord)Antarctica Peninsula and South AmericaCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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