An iceberg is a massive chunk of freshwater ice that has broken off from a glacier or an ice shelf and floats in open water. These towering formations are primarily found in the polar regions, particularly in Antarctica and Greenland, where immense glaciers calve into the ocean. Despite their enormous size, only about 10% of an iceberg is visible above the waterline, with the remaining 90% submerged, making them a significant hazard for ships. The most famous iceberg-related disaster was the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, which highlighted the dangers these ice giants pose to maritime navigation.
Icebergs come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small fragments called growlers and bergy bits to colossal tabular icebergs that stretch for miles. Their movements are dictated by ocean currents, winds, and water temperatures, with some drifting thousands of miles before melting completely. Scientists closely monitor icebergs to study climate change, as their formation and melting patterns provide valuable insights into rising global temperatures and ocean conditions. While they are often seen as threats to ships, icebergs also play an essential ecological role by distributing freshwater and nutrients across the ocean, supporting marine life in their wake.
