A decades-long journey… A massive iceberg settles near a remote island

---

After more than three decades adrift from Antarctica, the giant iceberg A23a has reached the waters surrounding South Georgia Island, where it has temporarily settled on the ice shelf.

Weighing approximately one trillion tons and covering an area twice the size of Greater London, this iceberg is one of the largest ice masses on Earth.

The A23a broke away from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1986, but it remained stuck in the Weddell Sea for many years, grounded on the seafloor.

• The Size of Las Vegas: Iceberg Breaks Off from the Antarctic Continent

• World’s largest iceberg ‘moves’ after 37 years of stagnation 

In 2020, ocean currents began to push it toward the Southern Ocean, continuing its journey northward until it reached the shores of South Georgia Island.

According to Dr. Nadine Johnston, a marine ecologist aboard the research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough:

“This iceberg has traveled a long distance through circular currents before temporarily grounding on the southern coast of South Georgia Island.”

• Rain alleviates thirst concerns in Tunisia, raising a “warning bell”

• A 5.57-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Seram Island in Indonesia

However, scientists believe that A23a’s stay will not be long-lasting, as warmer waters will accelerate the melting of its submerged portion, destabilizing it and pushing it toward warmer regions.

Before reaching its current position, the iceberg had been trapped by a phenomenon known as the Taylor Column, an oceanic effect that holds floating objects in place due to local currents, delaying its movement northward.

While monitoring this unique occurrence, scientists spent hours near the iceberg, studying its immense structure and collecting data on its environmental impact.

• Hurricane “Garance” Hits France’s Réunion Island: 4 Dead

• An “Unprecedented” Snowstorm Disrupts Life on a Japanese Island

Johnston describes her experience as follows:

“Standing in front of this towering ice wall, rising 30 to 40 meters above sea level, with a depth extending around 300 meters below the surface, is truly a breathtaking sight.”

The study of iceberg movements and melting is a crucial aspect of climate change research. The acceleration of melting releases vast amounts of freshwater into the oceans, altering marine currents and affecting ecosystems.

Additionally, the release of nutrients from the melting ice supports the growth of phytoplankton, a fundamental component of the food chain for marine organisms such as crustaceans, fish, seals, and penguins.

• After a 5.9-magnitude earthquake, Japan warns of tsunami risk on its remote islands

• 30 people killed and missing due to landslides on Indonesia’s “Sulawesi” Island