Drake Passage: World’s most feared ocean gateway with towering 80-foot waves

Drake Passage: The Perilous Ocean Gateway That Keeps Antarctica Cold (Image: Canva)

The Drake Passage is one of the world’s most feared waterways. Stretching between South America and Antarctica, it is known for towering waves and violent storms. Travellers who cross it face turbulent waters, but this chaotic passage plays a crucial role in shaping Antarctica’s climate.

A Dangerous but Vital Ocean Channel
Named after 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake, the passage is infamous for its wild conditions. The 600-mile-wide channel forces ocean currents to speed up, creating powerful waves. Winds from the Southern Ocean also gain strength, leading to storms and waves as high as 25 metres.

Sailors call the crossing the "Drake Shake" due to its rough waters. Sticky mats are often used on ship tables to stop plates from sliding. Karen Heywood, an oceanography professor, recalled the turbulent journey she took in 2024, telling National Geographic that the passage is a unique meeting point for major ocean currents.

A Crucial Role in Climate and Carbon Storage
The Drake Passage is more than just a challenging waterway. It helps regulate Earth's climate by mixing ocean layers and absorbing large amounts of carbon. The world's oceans capture around 30% of human-made carbon emissions, and this passage is a major contributor.

The passage also shields Antarctica from warm air that would otherwise drift south. When it opened millions of years ago, it caused Antarctica’s temperature to drop, leading to the formation of massive ice sheets. According to oceanographer Alberto Naveira Garabato, the sudden cold is noticeable to anyone crossing the passage.

Climate Change and the Future of the Drake Passage
Despite its powerful currents, climate change is altering the passage’s stability. Rising global temperatures may slow down the system, potentially reducing its ability to protect Antarctica’s ice.

For now, the Drake Passage remains a force of nature. It is both a feared obstacle for travellers and a key factor in maintaining Antarctica’s frozen landscape.