The massive iceberg known as A23a, once the largest in the world, is rapidly shrinking and splitting into pieces, scientists reported on Thursday. After nearly four decades of drifting, A23a has lost its top spot and may completely collapse within weeks.
A23a broke away from Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986. For over 30 years, it remained stuck in the Weddell Sea, anchored to the ocean floor. In 2020, it finally broke free and began its journey north through a path in the South Atlantic Ocean driven by the strong Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
By March this year, A23a ran aground in shallow waters near South Georgia Island, a remote spot in the South Atlantic. Scientists worried it might block penguin and seal colonies from reaching their feeding grounds, threatening the survival of their young. Fortunately, the iceberg dislodged in late May and continued its northward drift. In recent weeks, A23a has been breaking apart at an alarming rate.
ALSO SEE: Largest Iceberg At Sea Is Shrinking At Shocking Rate, NASA’s Satellite Image Reveals
Satellite images from the European Union’s Copernicus program show it has shrunk to less than half its original size. It now measures about 1,770 square kilometers and 60 kilometers at its widest point. Huge chunks, some as large as 400 square kilometers, have broken off, along with smaller pieces that still pose a danger to ships in the area.
Due to its rapid decline, A23a has been overtaken by another iceberg, D15a, which is now the world’s largest, according to Andrew Meijers of the British Antarctic Survey. Scientists are surprised A23a lasted this long, as most icebergs that break off from Antarctica don’t survive for nearly 40 years. As A23a moves faster, sometimes covering 20 kilometers in a single day, it continues to crumble in the warmer waters near South Georgia Island, where icebergs typically meet their end. Experts believe it may fully disintegrate soon, marking the end of its long journey from Antarctica.
ALSO SEE: Suspenseful Journey Of A Colossal Iceberg Captivates Scientists
(Image: NASA)
