Gigantic iceberg breaks loose in Antarctica, surpassing the size of São Paulo

An iceberg broke off in Antarctica at the end of January 2023 and drew attention to the huge mass of ice, with about 1,550 km². For comparison purposes, the large block, which has already traveled more than 150 km along the Antarctic coast, is larger than the capital of São Paulo, with 1,521 km².

Although the iceberg broke off in January from the Brunt platform, it was only in March that aerial images of the huge mass of ice floating across Antarctica were released.

Iceberg breaks off in Antarctica and is known by the name A81

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is responsible for monitoring icebergs in the region.

After the release of images of the iceberg that broke off at the end of January, researchers report that the mass of ice, named A81, was formed from Chasm-1, an ice shelf that returned to activity after 2012.

However, if for some people it may seem unexpected, researchers responsible for studying the Brunt ice shelf argue that the

GPS and satellite data already predicted detachment from the widening of the abyss between the ice block and the Brunt platform.

Iceberg melts are common in the region, however, the size of the A81 draws attention and, for this reason, it is considered the second largest in the place in the two-year period.

Institute monitors iceberg with potential to cause damage to marine ecosystem

The increasing movement in Antarctica favors the detachment of icebergs from ice shelves. This is the case of the A76A, with about 3,200 km², considered the largest of the remaining ice masses of the A76 iceberg.

Monitoring the ice sheet by BAS happens not only because the block is moving towards South Georgia, but because of its potential to cause damage to the local marine ecosystem.

Due to the large amount of fresh water stored in floating ice floes, its release in large volumes in the oceans can impact marine currents and interfere with the feeding of animals such as fish and whales.