A giant icebergknown as A23A, which was detached from Antarctica 39 years ago, is in the process of rapidly dissolving as it moves to warmer waters. The A23A, once held by the title of the largest iceberg in the world, is a typical example of the changes that the ice on the planet undergo under the pressure of climate change.

At the beginning of 2024, the A23A weighed about 1 trillion tonnes and occupied an area of ​​4,000 square kilometers, ie 50% larger than Luxembourg. However, his departure from the frozen southern ocean and his march to the northern, warmer waters, resulted in the detachment of large parts. According to an analysis by the French Agency in satellite images of the European Copernicus service, its current surface reaches only 1,770 square kilometers.

Oceanologist Andrew Meezers of the United Kingdom Antarctic Research Institute underlines the expected dismantling of the iceberg: “I would say that it is really heading towards the end (…) It is, very simply, in the process of disintegration. Water is too hot to survive. Melts steadily »he said, predicting that “it will become unrecognizable in a few weeks”.

From 1986 to the present: The A23A route

The A23A was detached in 1986 and has remained anchored in the Weden Sea for three decades, “trapped” at the bottom of the ocean. In 2020, he began to move again, dragged by the strong currents of the area. In March 2024, he sought near South Georgia, a British island in the southern Atlantic, which worried scientists about the impact on local fauna, such as penguins and sea elephants.

Eventually, the iceberg resorted to southern agriculture and accelerated its course, pushed by the waves and increased temperature data of the northern oceans. Researchers declare ‘Surprise’ with his longevity, noting that “Most icebergs don’t travel so far. Are doomed as soon as they leave the protection of the Antarctic climate »comments Majers.

Climate change and formation of icebergs

Creating icebergs is a natural process, but scientists point out that their formation has intensified in recent years. Possible explanation is considered climate changewhich is mainly attributed to human activity.