Let’s explore fascinating facts about icebergs. These enormous chunks of ice form from glaciers, which are found in places like Antarctica and Greenland. Due to the abundance of glaciers in these regions, there are many icebergs in the surrounding seas.
In 1956, an iceberg was discovered, and it was colossal, covering an area of 31,000 square kilometers. To give you an idea of its size, this iceberg was even larger than the country of Belgium. These icebergs originate from the glaciers of Antarctica. Sometimes, you might spot smaller icebergs, which can still weigh around 1.25 kilograms.
Here’s a surprising fact: Only about 1/10 of an iceberg is visible above the ocean’s surface. The other 9/10 are hidden beneath the sea. This means that what we see is just a small part of these massive ice formations.
The tallest iceberg ever recorded reached a towering height of 168 meters, and it extended about a kilometer beneath the water’s surface. However, it’s essential to know that the size of icebergs is diminishing over time. This is due to factors like climate change, warming temperatures, and conflicts.
In the rare event that a large iceberg tips over, it can have significant consequences, such as triggering earthquakes or tsunamis. The energy released during such events can be equivalent to that of a nuclear explosion. Navigating in areas with icebergs is always risky, and many ships have met their end in collisions with these icy giants.
Since the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912, the Navy has been diligently patrolling these areas of the sea. Their mission is to monitor iceberg movements and prevent such accidents from occurring again. They also send warnings to ships in these areas to ensure their safety. To further enhance safety measures, a committee was established in 1914 to keep a close watch on icebergs. This committee compiles information and releases reports in journals, and it includes members from 17 countries.
It’s commonly believed that icebergs are only white, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Icebergs come in various colors, including white, blue, green, and even yellow. The Southern Hemisphere is home to the largest number of icebergs. These incredible natural formations continue to captivate us with their sheer size and stunning colors.
