Two bergs the size of Greater London and Cornwall are drifting towards an area where they could affect shipping and nature.
Prof Geraint Tarling was on board the Royal Research Ship Discovery which took the opportunity to inspect the berg as it drifted out of Antarctica's Weddell Sea into the South Atlantic.
The British Antarctic Survey scientist said the huge flat-topped, or tabular, icebergs had a considerable influence on their environment - both disruptive and productive.As they melt, they put prodigious volumes of fresh water into the sea, which can make it hard for some organisms to function. On the other hand, the melt also releases the mineral dust that was incorporated into the ice when it was part of a glacier scraping along the rock bed of Antarctica.
There is some concern that it could swing east towards South Georgia and get stuck in the shallow waters of its continental shelf - or possibly at the series of nearby islets known as Shag Rocks.In either location, it would be a complication for local wildlife and people.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Scientists track iceberg the size of LondonTwo bergs the size of Greater London and Cornwall are drifting towards an area where they could affect shipping and nature.
Read more »
One of the best restaurants in Greater Manchester doesn’t even existOur Place’s supper club series is quietly making its mark on Manchester
Read more »
Inside Andy Burnham's bid for more power to change Greater ManchesterThe 'Trailblazer' devolution deal is expected to be signed soon
Read more »
The lost pictures that show how hard life could be in Greater Manchester's slumsArchive images offer a fascinating window into everyday life for many Greater Manchester families
Read more »
Six quirky wedding venues in Greater Manchester for your dream dayOne sure way to make your special day memorable is by picking a standout wedding venue
Read more »
What Greater Manchester's most unusual place names really meanFrom the hilariously rude to the impossible to pronounce
Read more »