A frozen giant grounds itself near south georgia

Despite initial concerns, the impact of A23a on local wildlife appears to be limited. But what are the long-term risks to the ecosystem?

A massive iceberg roughly the same size as Rhode Island — roughly 1,235 square miles — has run aground just 50 miles from the coast of South Georgia, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Iceberg A23a is the largest in the world currently. It has been floating for decades and has now stopped moving on a shallow ocean floor, quite possibly by chance.

A23a first broke off from the Antarctic ice shelf back in 1986. It remained grounded, immobile, for 34 years. In 2020, it began a gradual drift to the north, following the natural current patterns that most Antarctic icebergs take. A23a is nearly 1,000 feet tall and is a giant of an iceberg in the ocean.

The iceberg may have blocked the way to the sea”

Initial reports caused alarm in the scientific and conservation worlds about the potential impact on South Georgia’s wildlife — especially its penguin and seal populations. Some feared the iceberg would close off main access points to the sea, threatening local colonies by making hunting grounds inaccessible.

“The iceberg could have closed off access to the sea, leading to mass fatalities,” one researcher had warned.

Luckily, A23a stopped far enough offshore to avert that worst-case scenario. The creatures are safe for now — but the situation is being closely monitored.

A risk to local fishing and marine life

Although imminent catastrophe has been averted, the existence of A23a continues to be a grave concern. Calving ice blocks from the main mass must be avoided by local fishing vessels. Moreover, a colony of king penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus) with their bright yellow crests can anticipate disrupted feeding habits.

But the most severe impact has been struck beneath the surface. As A23a ran aground, its massive size and movement devastated coral beds and deep-sea ecosystems on the ocean floor.

“These events are cyclical in the region,” experts say, “and nature does recover. But the magnitude of A23a may hamper that.”

Watching and waiting

Scientists are keeping a close eye on the iceberg. Stationary for now, A23a can break off at any moment and continue its northward path. South Georgia has so far been saved from a direct hit — but having this giant chunk of ice looming on the horizon is a constant threat.