The largest iceberg in the world becomes unstuck after three decades stranded and heads to the Atlantic

 This gigantic mass of ice has an approximate surface area of ​​4,000 square kilometers and weighs almost a trillion tons.

Iceberg A-23A, the largest in the world and which broke off from the Antarctic glaciers in 1986, has begun to move for the first time in more than three decades, according to information  from the British Antarctic Survey institution obtained from satellite data.

The ice mass has an area of ​​almost 4,000 square kilometers and was once part of the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf. After separating from the continental glacier in 1986, the enormous iceberg became stranded, largely because its base became stuck at the bottom of the Weddell Sea (south of the Atlantic Ocean ). 

According to estimates by British glaciologist Oliver Marsh, the A-23A has "the potential to survive for a long time" in the ocean, even if it is surrounded by warmer water. In addition, it may "move towards South Africa and disrupt navigation" at some point. It is rare to see an iceberg of this size in motion, the scientist admitted. The enormous mass of ice weighs almost a trillion tons.

According to Marsh, it is possible that the iceberg has become "slightly thinner," somewhat more buoyant, and is being pushed by ocean currents. However, it is possible that A-23A could become stranded on South Georgia again, a prospect that would pose a problem for the region's wildlife, as millions of seals, penguins and seabirds breed on the island and They feed in the surrounding waters. The ice mass could cut off their access to necessary resources.

Another giant iceberg, A68, sparked similar fears of a collision with South Georgia in 2020. However, a disaster for marine life was averted when the iceberg  broke into several pieces. Scientists do not rule out the same fate for the A-23A.