Satellite imagery and reports from the British Antarctic Survey

World's Largest Iceberg A23a, 280 Kilometers from South Georgia, Threatens Island's Wildlife

Jan 23, 2025, 10:45 AM

The world's largest iceberg, known as A23a, is on a collision course with South Georgia, a remote British island in the Atlantic Ocean. The iceberg, which broke free from its position north of the South Orkney Islands, is now approximately 280 kilometers away from the island. A23a, which spans about 3,500 square kilometers, poses a significant threat to the local wildlife, including thousands of penguins and seals. If it collides with the island, it could block access to feeding areas, potentially leading to the death of countless animals. The iceberg, which originally calved from Antarctica's Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986, remained grounded for over 30 years before beginning its journey north in 2020. It was temporarily trapped in a Taylor Column but broke free in December 2024, resuming its northward drift.