Video: The largest iceberg in the world continues its journey and they are studying the extent of its impact on the areas it passes through

he Iceberg A23awith a surface area of ​​approx 3990 square kilometerstwice its size Londonthree times the size of a city New YorkAnd fish 400 metresHe started with Moving towards the Antarctic OceanAfter lying motionless at the bottom of the sea for 30 years. Recently, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) revealed images of this “huge mountain” obtained by the research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough.

RRS Sir David Attenborough, named after the famous British ecologist, was deployed on a 10-day expedition as part of a project to investigate how Antarctic ecosystems and sea ice affect global carbon and nutrient cycles in the oceans, it has been confirmed. USA Today.

Originally from Filchner Ice Shelf from 1986he A23a It remained anchored at the bottom of the sea until it was liberated at the end of November, beginning its journey from the Red Sea sector Weddell Sea Towards open water. the Antarctic current The iceberg will likely be directed towards “Ice Mountain Road”And directing it towards their common path near the island South Georgia.

“It was unbelievable luck that Way out From the iceberg Weddell Sea It intersects directly with our planned route which we will have Proper equipment on board To take advantage of this opportunity. daily Mail, Andrew Myerschief scientist RRS Sir David Attenborough And a leader Polar Oceanography Subordinate BAS.

In addition to visually documenting A23a, the researchers collected samples that will provide a greater understanding of the impact of climate change on the Southern Ocean and its ecosystems. Laura Taylor, a biogeochemist and team member, highlights what is unknown about the specific impact that icebergs of different sizes and origins can have on ecological processes.

“We know that these giant icebergs can contribute nutrients to the waters that pass through them, creating thriving ecosystems in areas that might otherwise be less productive. What we don’t know is what effect some icebergs, their size and their origin, have on this process,” he explained. “We sampled the surface waters of the ocean behind the iceberg’s path, immediately adjacent to it, and in front of it.” mail.

Water samples taken from different points around the iceberg’s path will help determine what marine life may thrive in these waters and how this mass of ice, like others, affects the carbon balance in the ocean and its relationship with the atmosphere. Global warming, which causes water and air temperatures to rise, is accelerating the destabilization of the coasts of Antarctica and Greenland, increasing the calving rate of icebergs.

Iceberg A76, which broke off from the Rhône Ice Shelf in Antarctica in May 2021 and so far holds the record for the largest size, has split into three parts, initially with an area of ​​about 4,320 square kilometres.

Tracking this iceberg is of particular interest to scientists, who are monitoring its path and development as part of studies on the effects of climate change. Changes in the mass of floating ice like A76 can have impacts on sea levels and marine ecosystems, so monitoring them through satellites and other instruments is crucial to understanding their potential impact.

It is important to highlight that Dynamics and ultimate fate Icebergs cannot be predicted, because they depend on… Ocean currentsWater temperature and weather conditions. he A76 It remains a subject of study as it continues its path through the waters of the Pacific Ocean Southern Hemisphere.