World

World’s largest iceberg melts away after three years, satellite data shows

The world’s largest iceberg has virtually melted away, according to satellite data.

The 5,800sq km (2,239sq miles) ice block known as A68a broke off from the Antarctic peninsula’s Larsen C ice shelf in July 2017.

But satellite images now show the iceberg has broken up into tiny pieces, which are too small to track any further, the US National Ice Center said.

The iceberg spent two years not moving far before it became caught in a powerful current that propelled it northeast.

(BFSAI/CORPORAL PHILIP DYE)
Image:
A68a was too big to get in one photo when it was monitored near South Georgia. Pic: BFSAI/CORPORAL PHILIP DYE

The structure drew attention in December last year when it looked like it might hit the island of South Georgia, while travelling through the Southern Antarctic Front.

There were concerns it would threaten the island’s diverse wildlife if it impacted.

More from Antarctica

Subscribe to ClimateCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Spreaker

An RAF reconnaissance aircraft was drafted to capture images of A68a in a bid to predict where it might travel.

By this point A68a measured 4,200sq km (1,622sq miles) but it has shrunk further this year, with multiple icebergs calving from it since January.

Image from Friday 16 April. Pic: US national ice center
Image:
Satellite image from Friday 16 April showing A68a at two by three nautical miles. Pic: US National Ice Center

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Climate situation is ‘extremely urgent’

The last clear image of A68a was taken on Friday. It showed the iceberg had shrunk to just three by two nautical miles.

The US National Ice Center, which names, tracks and documents Antarctic icebergs, only studies icebergs that are at least 20sq nautical miles or measure 10 nautical miles on its longest axis.

The centre told Sky News it would not make an official statement on the demise of A68a but confirmed it had fallen below the minimum size criteria they use to track icebergs.

The Daily Climate Show

Sky News broadcasts the first daily prime time news show dedicated to climate change.

Hosted by Anna Jones, The Daily Climate Show is following Sky News correspondents as they investigate how global warming is changing our landscape and how we all live our lives.

The show will also highlight solutions to the crisis and show how small changes can make a big difference.