2024-07-25 09:10:06
The meeting between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean It is one of the most intriguing natural phenomena and occurs near South America.
Located at the southern tip of South America, one of the most impressive encounters of nature arises: the confluence of the waters of the Pacific Ocean and of the Atlantic OceanThis phenomenon has sparked the curiosity of the scientific community, adventurers and sea lovers.
The idea that the waters of two oceans meet without mixing, showing layers of different hues, is a concept popularized by images and videos spread on social media. However, these images are often misinterpreted or correspond to other places, not the aforementioned oceans. The visual phenomenon, when it occurs, is due more to differences in sedimentation, salinity, and other environmental factors than to a physical barrier between the waters.
For example, the video below appears on the internet when searching to see the meeting of the oceans, but it actually corresponds to the mouth of the river Fraser of Canada in the ocean, according to the Maldita.es website.
Do the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans mix?
Contrary to what some viral images and videos on social media suggest, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean They are not separated by an invisible barrier. In fact, they mix constantly, oceanographer Nadin Ramirez.
Variations in salinity, temperature and density They cause the mixing of waters to occur progressively. In addition, it is noted that this process can develop at different speeds depending on the geographical location, and climate change could be having an impact on these differences.
Thus, in some areas, such as the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel in South America, the mixture is slower due to the presence of fresh water from glaciers and the geography of the terrain. However, in the open ocean, the border between the two seas is more diffuse, and large waves and storms intensify the mixing.
Where are the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean located?
The best-known meeting point between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean is located in the Cape Hornat the southern tip of Chile, according to BBC Science Focus. This region is famous for its extreme weather conditions and its historical importance as a shipping route before the construction of the Panama Canal.
He Drake Passagelocated between Cape Horn and Antarctica, represents a key area for the interaction between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, according to Ramírez. In this region, waves that can reach up to 18 metres in height stand out. “That improves the combination,” says the oceanographer.
Waves up to 25 metres high are possible in the Drake Passage. Photo: Tom Stieghorst
The impact of climate change
Climate change is significantly altering ocean dynamics. global warming is changing ocean currents and slowing the mixing of waters. Melting polar ice caps are introducing fresh, less dense water into the oceans, which can slow down currents and affect the distribution of oxygen and nutrients.
Scientific experts warn of the potentially severe consequences that these environmental changes could trigger on marine life and ocean ecosystems. Various studies underline the importance of considering the impact of climate change on natural phenomena, specifically on the dynamics of oceanic interaction.
Why are there such high waves at the border between oceans?
In the Cape Horn region, a powerful sea current drives water from the Pacific to the Atlantic, mixing surface and sea water, according to expert Casimir de Lavergne, from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). This phenomenon, characterised by turbulence, is due to the difference in salinity between the waters of the Pacific, which are less salty due to rain, and the Atlantic. In addition, the area is affected by extremely low pressure systems, giving rise to unpredictable winds and waves up to 18 metres high.
What is the difference between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans?
The Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean have several significant differences. In terms of size, the Pacific Ocean is much larger than the Atlantic, covering about 46% of the world’s ocean surface, while the Atlantic accounts for about 23%.
There are also differences in the physical and biological characteristics of the two oceans. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Pacific is generally deeper and has more varied underwater topography than the Atlantic. The Pacific Ocean is home to greater biological diversity, including many unique species not found in other oceans.
On the other hand, the Atlantic Ocean is usually saltier than the Pacific due to evaporation and incoming freshwater flows (it receives less water from rivers), which affects ocean currents and circulation.
