Scientists from Antarctica were watching with concern the trajectory of A23a, the world's largest iceberg. In the path of the gigantic ice block was the British island of South Georgia, but the iceberg seems to have run aground more than 70 kilometers away from the area, as reported by Afp. On this remote Antarctic island, there is a significant area of fauna reproduction, which is currently not in danger, according to the British Antarctic Survey research group.
This immense ice mass of about 3,360 square kilometers was slowly heading towards the British island of South Georgia since December, causing scientists to fear that ice fragments breaking off could block access to the ocean for sea lions and penguins that reproduce there.
But since March 1, the iceberg has remained stranded 73 kilometers from the island, according to a press release from the British Antarctic Survey. "If the iceberg remains grounded, we do not expect it to significantly affect the local fauna," anticipates oceanographer Andrew Meijers, responsible for satellite monitoring of the A23.
"Over the past few decades, the numerous icebergs that followed this route through the Southern Ocean broke up, dispersed, and eventually melted rapidly," he explains. "However, commercial fishing has been disrupted in the past: if the iceberg breaks into smaller pieces, this could make fishing operations in the region more difficult and potentially dangerous," Meijers added.
On the other hand, "nutrients released by the grounding and melting could increase food availability for the entire regional ecosystem, including penguins and seals."
The A23a broke off from the Antarctic continental shelf in 1986 and remained grounded for over 30 years before finally breaking free in 2020. In January, a 19-kilometer piece broke off, but scientists could not accurately predict the consequences this would have on the trajectory and future of this ice giant.