Drake Passage

Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is the body of water between the Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic. This approximately 800 km wide waterway is a vital navigation route for vessels traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, connecting the southern tip of South America to the northern coast of Antarctica. The Drake Passage is known as one of the most dangerous voyages for ships. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current that flows through it meets no resistance from any land mass and waves over 12 meters high, giving it the reputation of being "the most powerful convergence of seas". The passage is named after Sir Francis Drake, an English explorer who navigated the area in the late 16th century. The passage is characterized by a complex system of ocean currents, including the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which is the largest ocean current in the world. These current plays a crucial role in regulating global climate patterns by transferring heat and nutrients between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From a biological perspective, the Drake Passage is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting an incredible array of marine life. The passage's unique combination of cold water, strong currents, and nutrient-rich waters creates an ideal environment for phytoplankton growth, which in turn supports a rich food web. Whales, seals, penguins, and seabirds are just a few examples of the many species that call the Drake Passage home. In fact, the passage is one of the best places on Earth to observe Humpback Whales, which migrate through the area each year to feed on krill.