- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Fri, 24 Jan 2025 05:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A colossal iceberg, named A23a, with a size larger than Greater London and Mumbai, is drifting towards South Georgia, a remote British island in the Atlantic Ocean. The iceberg, spanning approximately 3,500 square kilometres, has raised concerns about the safety of the island’s rich wildlife, particularly its penguin and seal population.
What is A23a?
A23a is a massive iceberg that broke off from Antarctica's Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986. It remained grounded in the Weddell Sea for over three decades and broke free in December 2024. The iceberg is now speeding forward, presumably towards the remote British island. It is about 280 kilometres from South Georgia with the estimated predictions of it reaching the island within two to four weeks.
"Icebergs are inherently dangerous. I would be extraordinarily happy if it just completely missed us," BBC News quoted sea captain Simon Wallace as saying.
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WATCH:
DO YOU WANT TO BREAK FREE!?
— British Antarctic Survey 🐧 (@BAS_News) December 13, 2024
Well, you’re not alone - Iceberg #A23a, the world’s largest and oldest #iceberg, is on the move!
Learn how it escaped 👇https://t.co/MQHd8TfVSL pic.twitter.com/G3J0U2KfFz
Collision And Its Implications
The primary concern is that if A23a gets stuck near South Georgia, it might block access to feeding areas for penguins and seals leading to the death of many penguin chicks and seal pups, as their parents would struggle to find food. South Georgia hosts large populations of Gentoo, macaroni, and king penguins, along with millions of elephants and fur seals.
While icebergs can introduce nutrients to fertilise ocean plankton and benefit the broader food chain, their presence will lead to substantial disruptions. If A23a breaks apart, the resulting ice pieces could linger around the island for years, posing risks for marine life and local fisheries.