A23a escapes after months in the ocean gyre” fetchpriority=”high” title=”The world’s largest and oldest iceberg is moving” width=”690″ height=”494″ itemprop=”image”/>
megaiceberg A23a escapes after months in the ocean gyre – BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY
MADRID, 16 December. (EUROPE PRESS) –
After spending decades stranded on the seabed, the mega iceberg A23a has broken free from its position north of the South Orkney Islands and It is now adrift in the Southern Ocean.
The A23a giant, which with its 3,000 square kilometers is twice the size of Greater London and weighs almost a trillion tonnes, It broke off from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1986. and remained stranded on the Weddell sea floor for more than 30 years before starting its slow journey north in 2020.
The iceberg’s journey was marked by intriguing scientific events. For months,the iceberg remained trapped in the Taylor plume,an oceanographic phenomenon in which rotating water over an underwater mountain traps objects in place. This dynamic meant that A23a continued to film in one place, delaying the expected rapid northward drift.
A23a is expected to continue its journey towards the Southern Ocean following the Antarctic Circumpolar Current,which will likely push it towards the subantarctic island of South Georgia. in that region you will find warmer water and it is expected to break into smaller icebergs and eventually melt.
This was stated by Dr.Andrew Meijers, oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). in a statement: “It is indeed exciting to see A23a moving again after periods of stagnation.We are interested to see whether it will follow the same path taken by othre large icebergs that have broken off from Antarctica. And, more importantly, what impact this will have on the local economy”. ecosystem”.
Exactly one year ago, researchers aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough observed and studied the iceberg during a scientific mission in the Weddell Sea for the BIOPOLE project. Scientists took the first photographs of the moving iceberg as they observed how Antarctic ecosystems and sea ice affect global carbon and nutrient cycles in the oceans. and collected data alongside the vast iceberg.
Laura Taylor, biogeochemist of the BIOPOLE cruise ship, underlined the importance of their close encounter with A23a: ”We know that these giant icebergs can provide nutrients to the waters they pass through, creating thriving ecosystems in otherwise less productive areas. What we don’t know is what difference some icebergs, their size and their origins can make in this process.
We sampled ocean surface water behind,immediately adjacent to,and ahead of the iceberg’s path. “They should help us determine what life might form around A23a and how this affects carbon in the ocean and its balance with the atmosphere.”
How can individuals make a meaningful impact on climate change in their daily lives?
Certainly! Below is a creative and engaging interview between the editor of Time.news and an expert in the field based on the themes usually found in articles like the one indicated.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in climate science and environmental policy. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily carter: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
editor: the latest reports indicate an alarming trend in global temperature rises. From your outlook, what is the most pressing issue we face right now in combating climate change?
Dr. Carter: We are indeed at a critical juncture. the most pressing issue is the need for immediate and ample reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel dependency still dominates our energy systems, and we must pivot towards lasting alternatives like wind, solar, and other renewable sources.
Editor: we often hear about the ‘green transition.’ Can you elaborate on what that entails and the role that individuals and communities can play?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. The green transition is about shifting from fossil fuel-based systems to renewable, low-carbon alternatives.Individuals can contribute by reducing energy consumption, supporting local sustainable initiatives, and advocating for policy changes. Community engagement is crucial—local actions can drive notable change when multiplied by collective efforts.
Editor: Speaking of policy changes, what do you think is a crucial policy that governments should implement to accelerate this transition?
Dr. Carter: A robust carbon pricing mechanism is essential. by putting a price on carbon emissions, it can create economic incentives for businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Coupled with subsidies for renewable energy, such policies can significantly catalyze the green transition.
Editor: With the ongoing debates about climate action, do you think we have a chance to achieve significant progress before it’s too late?
Dr.Carter: It’s tough,but there’s hope. While the challenges are immense, awareness and advocacy for climate action have grown tremendously. The youth movement for climate action is particularly inspiring. If we can harness this momentum, push for systemic changes, and collaborate across sectors, we might turn the tide.
Editor: That’s an encouraging perspective.Lastly, what advice would you give to our readers who feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem?
Dr.Carter: Start small and stay informed. Educate yourself and others about climate issues and don’t underestimate the impact of individual actions. Every little effort counts, and collective action can lead to significant change. Also, engage with local organizations working on environmental issues—community involvement can be empowering and rewarding.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. It’s clear that while the challenges are daunting, there are pathways forward, and every individual can contribute to the solution.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! Let’s all commit to being part of the solution.
This format captures the essence of a thought-provoking conversation while informing readers about critical issues surrounding climate change and actionable steps thay can take.