The World's Largest Iceberg: B-15A, the Giant Ice Block

Did you know that the world's largest iceberg, named B-15, was roughly the size of Jamaica when it broke off from Antarctica in 2000?

Icebergs are huge pieces of ice that float in the ocean. The largest iceberg ever recorded is called B-15A. It's a massive chunk of ice that broke off from Antarctica and floated in the sea. Let's find out more about this enormous iceberg!

What is an Iceberg?

An iceberg is a large piece of ice that has broken off from a glacier or an ice shelf and is now floating in the ocean. Most of the iceberg is underwater, with only a small part sticking out above the surface.

The Largest Iceberg: B-15A

B-15A is the largest iceberg ever recorded. It was part of a larger iceberg called B-15, which broke off from the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica in March 2000.

How Big is B-15A?

When it first broke off, B-15 was about 11,000 square kilometers (4,250 square miles) in size, which is bigger than the island of Jamaica! B-15 eventually broke into smaller pieces, and B-15A was the largest of these pieces.

Where Did It Come From?

B-15A broke off from the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. This process is called "calving," which happens when a large piece of ice splits away from an ice shelf.

What Happened to B-15A?

After breaking off, B-15A floated in the ocean for many years. It traveled through the cold waters around Antarctica and started drifting northward. Over time, B-15A began to break into smaller pieces and eventually melted away.

Why Are Icebergs Important?

Icebergs like B-15A are important for several reasons:

Climate Change: They help scientists study climate change because the melting of icebergs adds fresh water to the ocean, which can affect ocean currents and sea levels.
Wildlife: Icebergs provide habitats for animals like seals and penguins.

Fun Facts About B-15A

Most Underwater: About 90% of B-15A was underwater, so what you see above the surface is just a small part of the whole thing.
Moving Ice: B-15A traveled long distances, moving with ocean currents and winds.
Melting: As B-15A moved into warmer waters, it slowly melted and broke apart.

The world's largest iceberg, B-15A, was an enormous floating ice block that broke off from Antarctica. It's an incredible natural wonder that helps scientists learn more about our planet. Even though it was cold and icy, B-15A played an important role in our world.