Iceberg A23a: Largest ice giant disrupts South Georgia ecosystem
The iceberg A23a, currently the largest in the world, has become stranded near South Georgia, raising concerns among fishermen and scientists.
The iceberg A23a, considered the largest globally, has run aground in the southern Atlantic near the British territory of South Georgia. This island is home to millions of penguins and seals. The BBC reported this, and the situation worries fishermen, who fear that ice formations might limit access to fishing grounds.
A nutrient bomb in the middle of a desert
Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are highlighting the potential effects of the iceberg's grounding. Vast nutrients lie beneath the ice, which could be released during melting. Professor Nadine Johnston from BAS likened this to "dropping a nutrient bomb in the middle of a desert." Nutrient-release could trigger a phytoplankton bloom, visible in satellite images as a green "glow" surrounding the ice.
However, melting A23a could also negatively affect local wildlife, particularly macaroni penguins. Changes in water salinity might impact the availability of food sources, including krill, which these birds rely on. Consequently, the penguins might be forced to find new foraging grounds.
The history of iceberg A23a
Iceberg A23a calved from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in West Antarctica in 1986. Initially, its surface area was around 3,900 square kilometres; now, it has decreased to roughly 3,200 square kilometres. In December 2024, the iceberg broke free from an oceanic gyre and began moving north toward warmer waters. By mid-February, it accelerated, travelling up to 29 kilometres per day until it finally struck the shallow continental shelf, approximately 80 kilometres from land.
Scientists predict that A23a will remain stranded for some time, which may impact the region's local ecosystems and fishing activities. The fishing season begins in April, and the ice might block ports or complicate navigation.
Read also:
