The nutrient rich water of the Southern Ocean takes on great responsibilities while swirling near the continent of Antarctica. By supporting ice at the surface of its water, marine life can find refuge on top of the ice to avoid predation and gain warmth under the austral sun. The rich water feeds marine life below the waves that have adapted to thrive in the coldest, harshest conditions on earth. Creatures such as Antarctic limpets and seastars are determined to live in water that stays consistently between 29 and 30 degrees F.