The world’s largest iceberg has broken off from Antarctica and is now on the move towards the Southern Ocean, measuring almost 4000 square km and roughly the size of Karachi City.
Initially calved off West Antarctica in 1986, the iceberg, hosting a former Soviet research station, has been stranded but is now drifting past the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Recent satellite images show its movement, propelled by strong winds and currents. Scientists, including British Antarctic Survey glaciologist Oliver Marsh, note the rarity of such a large iceberg’s mobility and anticipate its trajectory, possibly into the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
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The iceberg’s motivations for movement are unclear, but scientists speculate on factors like thinning and increased buoyancy. A23a, one of the world’s oldest icebergs, could potentially become grounded again, posing a threat to wildlife at South Georgia Island, and disrupting access for millions of seals, penguins, and seabirds.
While the iceberg’s impact remains uncertain, past instances, such as the breakup of iceberg A68 in 2020, suggest a possible endgame for A23a.
However, its substantial size raises concerns about potential long-term disruption in the Southern Ocean, including interference with shipping routes towards South Africa.
