The largest and most important ocean current in the southern hemisphere. It flows in an eastward direction around Antarctica, and occupies a wide tract of water in the S. Pacific Oceans, S. Atlantic Oceans, and Indian Oceans. There is very little separation between surface- and bottom-water circulation within this area. The current is remarkably constant and is characterized by low salinity (less than 34.7 parts per thousand), and cold waters (−1 to 5 °C). It is the only current which flows right around the world.