BBC Inside Science
The World’s Biggest Iceberg
Mar 6, 2025
Caroline Steel, a seasoned science journalist, joins Andrew Myers from the British Antarctic Survey, an expert on icebergs. They discuss the massive iceberg A23a, its ecological impacts, and the threat it poses to wildlife. The conversation shifts humorously to the complexities of nuclear waste disposal, likening it to baking a cake. Additionally, they explore new insights on the effectiveness of mobile phone bans in schools and even share the science behind scratching an itch and mastering the perfect boiled egg!
28:09
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Quick takeaways
- The drifting of iceberg A23A towards South Georgia raises concerns about its potential disruption to local marine ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
- The UK's plan to securely dispose of plutonium emphasizes the importance of using ancient minerals as a model for managing hazardous waste.
Deep dives
The Journey of Iceberg A23A
A23A is a colossal iceberg that recently broke free from Antarctica, measuring over a trillion tons and spanning more than 1,400 square miles. After being trapped for over 30 years, it is now drifting slowly northward towards South Georgia, raising concerns for the seabird colonies on the island. The iceberg’s journey has seen it navigate through various oceanographic conditions, including a phenomenon known as a Taylor Column, where it remained stationary for several months. Scientists are closely monitoring A23A, not only for its sheer size but also for its potential environmental impact on the waters and wildlife around South Georgia.
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