The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, has been causing quite a stir in the scientific community as it defies all expectations by remaining stationary in the ocean. This massive iceberg, which is more than twice the size of Greater London, has been captured on top of a rotating cylinder of water, known as a Taylor Column, just north of Antarctica.
For decades, A23a was stuck in the Weddell Sea before finally re-floated in 2020 and started drifting towards warmer waters. However, when it entered the Antarctic Circumpolar Current earlier this year, it should have been propelled into the South Atlantic, but instead, it remains in place near the South Orkney Islands, spinning in an anti-clockwise direction.
Scientists attribute A23a’s unusual behavior to a vortex created by an underwater bump known as Pirie Bank. This vortex has effectively trapped the iceberg, preventing it from moving further. The phenomenon has fascinated experts, highlighting the importance of understanding the ocean floor’s topography in influencing ocean currents and climate systems.
As A23a continues its spinning routine, scientists are eager to see how long it will remain in place. The iceberg’s unique situation serves as a reminder of the mysteries that still exist in the world’s oceans, with much of the seafloor yet to be properly mapped.
