Alex McCurthy
In a stroke of luck, Britain’s RRS Sir David Attenborough, en route to Antarctica for its inaugural scientific mission, encountered the world’s largest iceberg, A23a, near the Antarctic Peninsula. The British Antarctic Survey revealed on Monday that scientists aboard the vessel had the unique opportunity to collect seawater samples around the colossal iceberg as it drifts away from Antarctic waters.
The A23a iceberg, with dimensions three times that of New York City and over twice the size of Greater London, had been grounded in the Weddell Sea for more than three decades since its separation from the Antarctic’s Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986. Recent months saw the iceberg breaking free and moving into the Southern Ocean, propelled by wind and ocean currents. Scientists predict that it is likely to follow the common path known as “iceberg alley,” leading toward the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.
Andrew Meijers, the chief scientist aboard the research ship, expressed gratitude for the serendipitous alignment of the iceberg’s route with their planned path. He highlighted the expertise of the team aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough, emphasizing that the encounter did not disrupt the tight schedule of their scientific mission.
Laura Taylor, a scientist on the ship, explained that the team seized the opportunity to take ocean surface water samples around the iceberg. This data will contribute to understanding the impact of icebergs, like A23a, on ocean ecosystems and carbon dynamics. Taylor emphasized the potential of giant icebergs to provide nutrients to the waters they traverse, fostering thriving ecosystems in less productive areas.
The RRS Sir David Attenborough, named after the renowned British naturalist, is undertaking a 10-day science trip as part of a £9 million (USD 11.3 million) project. The initiative aims to investigate how Antarctic ecosystems and sea ice influence global ocean cycles of carbon and nutrients. The British Antarctic Survey anticipates that the findings will enhance understanding of how climate change is affecting the Southern Ocean and its resident organisms.
