The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, has broken into smaller fragments in the South Atlantic Ocean after drifting for nearly 40 years.
A23a calved from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, Antarctica, in 1986 and remained grounded on the ocean floor for decades before beginning its long drift.
It covered an area of around 3,900 sq km at its peak, making it one of the largest icebergs ever recorded and larger than many cities.
The iceberg drifted through the Weddell Sea and later entered the South Atlantic, where warmer waters accelerated melting and fragmentation.
Its breakup was caused by prolonged exposure to warmer ocean currents, wave action and meltwater, reflecting changes in Antarctic environments.