Heads up, climate watchers! 🌍❄️ A23a, once the world's largest iceberg, is breaking up fast and could vanish in just weeks.
Here's what the latest Fengyun-3D satellite data (captured Jan 14, 2026) by the China Meteorological Administration reveals:
- Size check: From 4,170 km² in 1986 to just 506 km² today — that's less than one-eighth!
- Rapid collapse: Just three weeks ago, it still covered 948 km².
- Key driver: hydrofracturing — meltwater ponds crack the ice from within.
- Summer effects: Southern Hemisphere summer warmth, clear skies, air temps up, plus seas over 3°C accelerating melt.
Satellite tracking since 2023 shows a dramatic speed-up in breakup as 2026 kicked off. Ocean currents are also nudging the chunks into warmer northern waters, speeding their demise. 🌡️🌊
Experts say A23a could disappear fully in the coming weeks — a stark reminder of how rising temps and changing seas are reshaping our planet. Stay tuned as we keep an eye on these icy giants! 👀📡
Reference(s):
A23a, once world's largest iceberg, could disappear within weeks
cgtn.com
