Basic stages of the oceanographic research carried out by Marine Hydrophysical Institute in the Southern ocean are considered. Each stage of the studies is illustrated by the schemes of expeditionary work; the most important results are presented. The oceanographic studies of Marine Hydrophysical Institute in the Southern ocean are shown to be developed in two basic directions: marine expeditionary research and analysis of the archival hydrometeorological data. Based on the results of expeditionary studies, the mechanisms of formation and variability of the water structure and circulation in the Antarctic coastal regions are described. Anomalies of hydrometeorological fields occurring along the route to Antarctica are assessed due to the measurements from the passing vessels. The archival hydrological and satellite data constitute a foundation for revealing the features of seasonal and interannual variability of the ocean surface temperature, fronts and sea ice in Antarctica. The effect of El Niño events on the interannual variation of the characteristics of Scotia Sea Front is revealed. It is shown that the formation of warm water positive anomaly areas in the tropical Pacific is caused by El Niño events. It’s accompanied by an appreciable displacement of the front to the south, by the weakening of its intensity and the decrease of temperature on the front axes. It is shown that maximum seasonal variation of the ice concentration is observed in the Weddell and Lazarev Seas. The ice in the Weddell, Amundsen and Bellingshausen Sea are shown to be exposed to the highest interannual variability.