World’s Largest Iceberg A23a Runs Aground Near South Georgia Island

The 1.1-trillion-ton iceberg, calved in 1986, halts 50 miles from the island, potentially sparing its wildlife while posing risks to fisheries.

A23a, the world’s largest iceberg, has grounded on the continental shelf about 50 miles from South Georgia, a remote British territory in the South Atlantic.
Scientists were concerned the iceberg could disrupt feeding routes for penguins and seals, but its current location minimizes immediate risks to wildlife.
The iceberg’s grounding and eventual melting may release nutrients into the ocean, potentially benefiting the local ecosystem, including seals and penguins.
As A23a breaks apart, smaller icebergs could pose hazards to commercial fishing operations in the surrounding region.
Researchers emphasize the role of climate change in accelerating Antarctic ice loss, with ice shelves losing 6,000 billion tons of mass since 2000.