Massive Iceberg A23a Threatens South Georgia’s Wildlife
The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, is on course to collide with the British territory of South Georgia, raising concerns about its impact on local wildlife. The trillion-tonne iceberg, twice the size of Greater London and standing 130 feet tall, began drifting in November 2023 after being stuck in the Weddell Sea for over 30 years. Scientists predict it will reach the remote island within two to four weeks.
Experts warn that if A23a gets lodged in the shallow waters near South Georgia, it could block critical feeding routes for millions of penguins and seals. Penguins, in particular, may struggle to gather food for their chicks, potentially leading to increased mortality rates. Andrew Meijers, a physical oceanographer with the British Antarctic Survey, described the iceberg as a “Game of Thrones-style wall of ice” and highlighted its potential ecological consequences.
While this event poses a threat to local wildlife, University of Colorado ice scientist Ted Scambos reassured that the Southern Ocean’s ecosystem has adapted to such changes over hundreds of thousands of years. However, scientists note that iceberg break-offs are becoming more frequent due to climate change and rising ocean temperatures.
A23a will eventually fragment and melt, but its current trajectory could cause significant disruption to South Georgia’s delicate ecosystem before that happens. Conservationists continue to monitor the iceberg’s movement closely.
o
source: skynews