Record Iceberg Resumes Journey Towards Warmer Waters

How A23A Formed

A23A formed when it broke off from its larger counterpart, the Antarctic Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, in 1986. Since then, it has been on a journey through the seas. The world’s largest current iceberg is starting to move after a years-long stationary phase. It is now in danger of sailing to warmer waters and losing its status as the biggest iceberg.

For reference, B15 was the largest iceberg we have measured. This behemoth had a land area of 4,250 square miles. B15 was measured in 2000 but broke apart in 2005, significantly decreasing its size. 

Before splitting off the ice shelf it once was attached to, A23A was home to one of four Antarctic research stations operated by Russia, Druzhnaya I. The research station broke off, stayed on the moving iceberg, and was later discovered and airlifted back to the mainland.

How A23A Remained Stationary for Decades