Iceberg twice the size of Jeju Island, possibility of collision with South Atlantic islands ↑… Concerns about death of penguins

[아시아경제 권재희 기자] The world’s largest iceberg, more than twice the size of Jeju Island, is expected to collide with an island in the South Atlantic Ocean this month. Consequently, there is concern that it may harm the ecosystem.

According to the BBC on the 10th (local time), it has been confirmed that the ’68a’ iceberg that fell from the Antarctic ice shelf Larsen C in 2017 approached just 150 km off the coast of the British island of South Georgia in the South Atlantic.

This iceberg is estimated to be the largest iceberg in the world, measuring 93.4 miles long (about 150 km) and 28.7 miles wide (about 46 km) when it fell in 2017.

The British Air Force (RAF) recently photographed an iceberg with an aerial photography, and the size of the iceberg was so large that it was difficult to capture the entire image without a satellite image.

Authorities on the island of South Georgia are closely monitoring the movement of the iceberg.

This is because if icebergs lodge on the shoreline bypassing the island, they can interfere with the foraging activities of animals that live on the island, such as penguins and seals. In fact, in 2003 and 2004 the same thing happened, killing penguins and baby seals.

As the iceberg melts, it can pose a threat to pieces or ships.

However, this year, the number of ships flying around South Georgia Island has decreased due to the aftermath of the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19), which is less of a concern.

The British Navy said on the 8th: “If current sea conditions continue, the A68a is expected to collide with South Georgia this month.”

Reporter Kwon Jae-hee [email protected]