Ross Sea

The Ross Sea is a deep bay of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica, lying between Victoria Land and Marie Byrd Land and within the Ross Embayment. It is named after Captain Sir James Clark Ross, who explored this region in 1841.

The Ross Sea is one of the most biologically productive marine ecosystems on Earth, supporting a diverse range of life, from phytoplankton and krill to seals, whales, and seabirds, including the iconic Adélie and Emperor penguins. The sea also contains commercially important fish species, notably Antarctic toothfish.

Geologically, the Ross Sea is a basin formed by tectonic activity. Beneath the seabed lies the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica. The sea is a crucial area for studying ice sheet dynamics and sea-level rise due to its influence on the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

The Ross Sea is also known for its unique oceanographic features, including the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water, a cold, dense water mass that spreads throughout the world's oceans, influencing global ocean circulation.

In 2016, the Ross Sea region became the world's largest Marine Protected Area (MPA), encompassing over 1.55 million square kilometers. This MPA aims to protect the region's biodiversity and ecosystem function while allowing for some sustainable fishing activities under strict regulations.

The area is subject to scientific research related to climate change, oceanography, and marine biology, conducted by various nations operating research stations in Antarctica, including McMurdo Station (United States) and Mario Zucchelli Station (Italy).