Photos: The Largest Iceberg in the World Has Completely Melting

The world's largest and most long-lived iceberg, A23a, has completely melted in the Atlantic Ocean this spring after nearly 40 years of existence. The A23a iceberg was first formed in 1986, when it detached from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica. After remaining stationary for a long time, it began drifting northward.

During its existence, the iceberg traveled over 2,300 kilometers and reached the vicinity of South Georgia Island. Here, the influence of warm waters initiated a rapid melting and deterioration process.

In 2020, the surface area of the iceberg exceeded 6,000 square kilometers, but by the end of March 2026, it had shrunk to about 170 square kilometers. According to experts, this is a natural process, although the mechanics of iceberg movement and cracking are not yet fully understood.