LONDON (AP) — Britain's polar research ship has crossed paths with the largest iceberg in the world — a “lucky” encounter that enabled scientists to collect seawater samples around the colossal berg as it drifts out of Antarctic waters, the British Antarctic Survey said Monday.
It began drifting in recent months, and has now moved into the Southern Ocean, helped by wind and ocean currents.
Scientists say it is now likely to be swept along into “iceberg alley” — a common route for icebergs to float toward the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.
What we don’t know is what difference particular icebergs, their scale, and their origins can make to that process," she said.
The British Antarctic Survey said its findings will help improve understanding of how climate change is affecting the Southern Ocean and the organisms that live there.
Persons:
Sir David Attenborough, London —, ”, Andrew Meijers, “, A23a hasn’t, berg, Laura Taylor
Organizations:
British Antarctic Survey
Locations:
Antarctica, New York City, London, Weddell, South Georgia, British