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Massive Iceberg Larger Than New York City Breaks Off Ice Shelf In Antarctica

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3 years ago

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Mar 03, 2021 04:29pm EST

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Mark Andrew

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An Antarctic iceberg bigger than New York City has broken off recently, reported scientists from the British Antarctic Survey’s Halley Research Station.
The iceberg measures 490 square miles.
Researchers are currently monitoring the situation to ensure their safety as the break off happened near their research facility.

A massive iceberg bigger than the city of New York has broken off Antarctica, according to scientists. The said glacier – which measures 490 square miles – recently broke off the Brunt Ice Shelf, reported the British Antarctic Survey’s Halley Research Station. By comparison, New York City is about 302 square miles.

In an official statement posted on the BAS website, Director Dame Jane Francis said that researchers have been anticipating a break off for a while now. “Our teams at BAS have been prepared for the calving of an iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf for years,” shared Francis.

The North Rift crack captured on camera by researchers last January 2021.

The director added:

“Over coming weeks or months, the iceberg may move away; or it could run aground and remain close to Brunt Ice Shelf. Halley Station is located inland of all the active chasms, on the part of the ice shelf that remains connected to the continent. Our network of GPS instruments will give us early warning if the calving of this iceberg causes changes in the ice around our station.”

As of the moment, researchers have to keep monitoring the situation to ensure everyone’s safety in the facility.

As BAS Director of Operations Simon Garrod pointed out:

“Four years ago we moved Halley Research Station inland to ensure that it would not be carried away when an iceberg eventually formed. That was a wise decision. Our job now is to keep a close eye on the situation and assess any potential impact of the present calving on the remaining ice shelf. We continuously review our contingency plans to ensure the safety of our staff, protect our research station, and maintain the delivery of the science we undertake at Halley.”