The A-84 iceberg, recently calved from the George VI Ice Shelf in Antarctica, measures approximately 210 square miles, almost the size of Chicago. Captured in an animation by NASA Earth Observatory, the iceberg has drifted 150 miles since its birth in mid-January. While it contributes nutrients to the growing phytoplankton population, essential to the Antarctic food chain, large icebergs like A-84 pose navigational hazards for ships due to potential breaking apart. The animation illustrates its movement over a month, showcasing the iceberg's journey through the Southern Ocean.
As the imagery shows, the A-84 iceberg breaks off near the southern end of the George VI Ice Shelf, like a jigsaw piece falling out of place.
Experts believe that A-84 may flip or capsize as it melts and breaks apart in the open ocean.
NASA Earth Observatory's animation comprises of 21 images acquired between January 15 and February 15, 2025, with several days omitted during this period due to cloud cover.
As icebergs melt, they release nutrients into the water which benefit the growth of microscopic plants called phytoplankton, which form the base of the Antarctic food chain.
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