The world’s largest iceberg, three times the size of New York City, is breaking free from Antarctica after nearly 40 years, marking a significant event in the icy continent’s history.

The colossal iceberg A23a, which detached from Antarctica in 1986, has finally dislodged from the seafloor after nearly four decades of being immobilized along the icy continent’s coastline. A23a, recognized as the world’s largest iceberg with a surface area three times that of New York City, is now in motion, potentially heading towards the notorious “iceberg graveyard.” This trajectory could bring it dangerously close to a vital penguin sanctuary before the iceberg eventually fractures and dissipates.

Origin and Immobilization:

Originating in 1986 from the Filchner Ice Shelf, A23a became lodged on the Weddell Sea seafloor due to its submerged keel. Despite other larger ice formations coming and going, A23a consistently held the title of the world’s largest iceberg, regaining it most recently in June after the previous record-holder, A76a, disintegrated.

Recent Movement and Satellite Imagery:

Reports on November 25 confirmed that A23a had commenced its long-awaited movement. However, the iceberg’s bid for freedom began in 2020 as it gradually loosened from its seafloor anchor. Satellite imagery from the British Antarctic Survey, shared on social media, revealed A23a’s slow journey along Antarctica’s coastline.

Natural Phenomenon and Environmental Impact:

The iceberg’s prolonged entrapment was not unusual for its size, with early Antarctic explorers referring to such colossal ice masses as “ice islands.” These massive bergs can retain most of their ice mass due to their size and proximity to Antarctica. While the quantity of trapped water in A23a remains uncertain, a similar-sized iceberg, A68, released over 1 trillion tons of water into the ocean.

Unsticking Process and Potential Impact:

A23a likely became unstuck as the ice underneath melted, reducing its weight and lifting it off the seafloor. This process, not attributed to climate change, is a natural occurrence for stranded icebergs. The iceberg is expected to be pushed north into the Drake Passage, known as the iceberg graveyard, where it may encounter islands such as South Georgia, home to substantial penguin colonies.

Environmental Concerns and Shipping Impact:

In 2020, A68a narrowly avoided a collision with South Georgia, prompting concerns about potential disruptions to the penguins’ feeding habitats. While there’s a possibility of A23a intersecting with South Georgia, it’s not certain. If it bypasses the island, its considerable size could lead it as far north as South Africa, impacting shipping routes. However, fractures in the iceberg may cause it to break apart before reaching such latitudes. Ongoing tracking efforts by scientists aim to predict the iceberg’s future movements.