Archive · 14 Jan 2026
A23a Iceberg Turning Blue Signals Imminent Disintegration
A very old and large iceberg named A23a is turning blue because it's melting.
This iceberg, which was once the biggest in the world, has been shrinking for a long time.
Scientists say it won't last much longer because the warm weather and the weight of the meltwater are causing it to break apart.
The iceberg is currently in the South Atlantic and is expected to disappear completely soon.
This is a sign of how climate change is affecting icebergs.
Iceberg A23a, once the largest in the world, is turning blue due to extensive meltwater.
The iceberg has shrunk from 1,500 square miles to 456 square miles.
Meltwater is causing cracks to widen, leading to imminent disintegration.
A23a is currently drifting in the South Atlantic and is expected to disintegrate soon.
Climate change is likely to lead other icebergs to a similar fate.
- Who
- Scientists and researchers tracking the iceberg
- What
- Iceberg A23a turning blue due to meltwater and nearing disintegration
- When
- Observed in December 2023, expected to disintegrate soon
- Where
- South Atlantic between the eastern tip of South America and South Georgia Island
- Why
- Due to warmer summer conditions and the weight of meltwater causing cracks to widen
- Iceberg Name
- A23a
- Original Size
- 1,500 square miles
- Current Size
- 456 square miles
- Year Broke Off
- 1986
- Current Location
- South Atlantic between South America and South Georgia Island
- Meltwater Volume
- Billions of liters
- Expected Disintegration
- Days or weeks