Iceberg A-68: The story of how a mega-berg transformed the ocean

When Iceberg A-68 calved from Antarctica’s Larsen C Ice Shelf in July 2017, it captivated the world. Spanning an area of 2,300 square miles—roughly the size of Delaware—this colossus instantly became one of the largest recorded icebergs. Its journey through the Southern Ocean has not only been a spectacle for satellite imagery aficionados but has also offered scientists a rare opportunity to study the ecological impacts of such massive icebergs as they drift and gradually melt away. The story of Iceberg A-68 is a dramatic tale of transformation, both of the mega-berg itself and the waters it traverses. As these gigantic ice blocks break away from Antarctica, they embark on a journey that can affect the oceanic environment in profound and multifaceted ways. This narrative explores how A-68, like its predecessors, has played a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem of the Southern Ocean. The life of an iceberg is predominantly one of isolation and gradual diminution. However, the scale of A-68 meant that its influence was far from subtle. During its initial years of drift, A-68 remained relatively intact, its vast expanse acting like a floating island, casting a long shadow over the sea surface, affecting local weather patterns, and altering marine habitats underneath. One of the most significant impacts of icebergs like A-68 comes from the freshwater they release as they melt. This influx of fresh water into the saltwater