New satellite images reveal that A-23A, once the largest iceberg on Earth, is nearing its end. NASA’s Terra satellite captured images showing large pools of aquamarine water melting on its surface. This suggests the iceberg might be leaking and could disintegrate completely soon.
A-23A is currently drifting in the South Atlantic, between South America and South Georgia Island. Its journey began back in 1986 when it broke off from Antarctica’s Filchner Ice Shelf. For years, it remained stuck on the ocean floor in the southern Weddell Sea until it broke free in the early 2020s. In March 2024, it got caught in an ocean vortex in the Drake Passage but eventually found its way back to its current location.
At its largest, A-23A was the size of Rhode Island, covering about 1,500 square miles. Today, it has shrunk to about 456 square miles—still bigger than New York City. Satellite imagery is crucial for scientists tracking its decline, and they now estimate it may last only a few more days to weeks before it disappears.
Chris Shuman, a retired scientist from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, expressed his outlook: “I don’t expect A-23A to last through the austral summer. It faces the same fate as other Antarctic bergs, but its journey has been remarkable.”
Experts believe that this disintegration is a result of climate change. According to recent studies, the melting of icebergs like A-23A contributes to rising sea levels, which have increased by about 8 inches since 1880. Keeping an eye on these changes can help predict how sea levels might continue to rise.
Using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), scientists monitor A-23A closely. The images show striking blue meltwater pools, highlighting the iceberg’s decay. An astronaut on the International Space Station recently documented its surface features, revealing lines formed by ice flow that still persist despite decades of change.
The iceberg is floating in water around 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius), moving toward even warmer waters. As Shuman noted, “It’s hard to believe it won’t be with us much longer.” Understanding the fate of A-23A not only gives insight into its journey but also serves as a reminder of the impacts of climate change and the unpredictable nature of our planet’s ice systems.
For more context on the effects of melting ice on sea levels, check out NASA’s climate resources.
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Antarctica,Icebergs,melting ice,sea level rise
