Iceberg A23a, Twice London’s Size, Escapes After 30 Years

Karmactive Staff

Photo Source: @wikinley (Instagram)

One trillion-tonne iceberg A23a, measuring 3,800 square kilometers, broke off from the Weddell Sea in Antarctica after thirty years.

The iceberg A23a calved from the Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986 and remained grounded until 2020 when it began a slow drift north.

Photo Source: @esa_earth (Instagram)

Photo Source: @aliceforrest (Instagram)

This iceberg was initially constrained by a Taylor Column, that being rotating water above a seamount, which prevented its onward migration.

Data recorded by BAS indicates A23a is now in the Southern Ocean; it has circuited through the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

Photo Source:- PxHere

Photo Source:-size4riggerboots (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Scientists will split apart and melt due to its travel into warmer waters close to South Georgia, one of the sub-Antarctic islands.

Melting of the iceberg may be dispersing nutrients into the ocean, which may enrich marine ecosystems in less productive waters.

Photo Source:- ArtHouse Studio (Pexels)

Photo Source:- Arctic Expedition Photography (CC0)

Scientists are investigating A23a to learn more about its impact on ocean circulation, nutrient flow, and marine life.

BAS continues to track A23a's path, thickness, and the ecological impact of its movement.

Photo Source:- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (CC BY 2.0)

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