An iceberg larger than Los Angeles has broken off of an Antarctic ice shelf as part of a natural process known as calving.
The massive block of ice split from the Amery Ice Shelf on Sept. 25, according to NBC News. Scientists roughly predicted the split about two decades ago.
“The moment many of us have been waiting for: Amery Ice Shelf’s ‘Loose Tooth’ finally calves an iceberg. Didn’t quite predict this one right back in 2002, only 4 years off!” glaciologist Helen Fricker said on Twitter.
The moment many of us have been waiting for: Amery Ice Shelf’s “Loose Tooth” finally calves an iceberg. Didn’t quite predict this one right back in 2002, only 4 years off! https://t.co/pqw4VeVyH2 Thanks to@NASA_ICE
for the imagery! https://t.co/PxErcwLKPl— Helen Amanda Fricker (@helenafricker) September 30, 2019
Calving is a natural process for ice shelves to maintain stability. Massive icebergs split from shelves and float into warmer waters and melt. In the process, the ice shelf’s size remains relatively consistent over time.
In the short term, the iceberg may cause havoc to ships attempting to reach and resupply Antarctic research stations. The iceberg that broke off last month is expected to drift close to one of two Australian stations and “cause trouble,” according to Fricker.
