The world's largest iceberg runs aground near the islands claimed by Argentina, affecting wildlife and fishing.
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The iceberg A23a, the largest and oldest known, stopped just 73 kilometers (45 miles) from South Georgia Island, also called San Pedro.
This creates uncertainty about the impact on local wildlife and fishing in the area. The iceberg has a surface area of 3,360 km² and weighs about 1 billion tons.
El iceberg A23a se detuvo a solo 73 kilómetros de la isla Georgia del Sur
What happens now with the iceberg?
The A23a began its long journey in 1986, when it broke off from the Filchner ice shelf. After several years trapped in the Weddell Sea, it was freed in 2020. It started moving north, being pushed by the ocean currents.
Possible impact on local wildlife
The British Antarctic Survey reported that the iceberg might avoid a collision with penguin and baby seal breeding areas. However, it is still uncertain what effects it will have on the local ecosystem.
The impact on commercial fishing
Oceanographer Andrew Meijers commented that if the iceberg remains grounded, its effect on local wildlife could be mild. Nonetheless, the melting could generate more nutrients in the sea, which would benefit the ecosystem but complicate commercial fishing operations.
The melting could increase food for penguins and seals.
The fragmentation of the iceberg would make fishing more difficult and dangerous.
Si el iceberg sigue encallado, su efecto sobre la fauna local podría ser leve
The dynamics of A23a on its journey
On its journey, the A23a got caught in the Taylor column, an oceanographic phenomenon that slowed its movement. This kept it spinning in one place for months.
In January 2024, a 19 km (12 miles) piece broke off from the iceberg. It is still unknown how this will affect its path.
En enero de 2024, un trozo de 19 km se desprendió del iceberg
Scientists believe that warmer waters and tides will cause the iceberg to break into smaller pieces and eventually melt.
