The history of the world’s largest iceberg began almost 40 years agowhen a huge mass of ice detached from the Pilchner ice platform, in Antarctica, to later break and give rise to what is now the A23A. It is expected that after being released from the vortex of water that had caught it for a few months, it goes to the coast of Georgia del Sur, threatening the new generations of penguins, seals, seabed and other Antarctic animals that use this British island of the Confín of the world to reproduce.
An observation of years
The A23A has been observed by satellites and scientists for years, especially since it began to drift after 34 years stranded in the shoes near Antarctica. For a few months he was caught in a swirl of water, but last December he left him and resumed his turn through the Antarctic Ocean, in what will probably be his last trip.
Although the movement of the icebergs is usually unpredictable; What is an additional danger, experts believe that the A23A could approach in the coming weeks to the coast of the South Georgia Island and even run, with consequences for both human activities and for local fauna.
Atlantic southern overturn circulation is like a huge heat pump that carries water from the tropics to the north, heating areas of Europe. But as climate change accelerates, these currents are less and less stable. They could even collapse.
Penguins, seals and humans in danger
It is estimated that A23A occupies 3,500 square kilometers; And given its extension, the impact with the coast would cause the isolation of colonies of seals, penguins and other animal species during the current era of reproduction: The sea, as a source of livelihood, would be too far so that parents could feed their young.
In the case of human activities in the area, The displacement of the iceberg would cause serious repercussions on fishing due to the blocking of the access to the sea. In addition, when remaining in warmer waters, A23a would begin to melt and lose pieces that would increase risks during navigation.
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