Iceberg A-23A in Antarctica shows blue melt pools as it nears breakup

Satellite images show Antarctic iceberg A-23A has large surface pools of meltwater that tint it blue, and scientists say the berg may disintegrate within days to weeks.

Iceberg A-23A in the South Atlantic is showing extensive pools of aquamarine meltwater on its surface in recent satellite images. NASA's Terra satellite using MODIS captured the view, and an astronaut aboard the International Space Station provided a closer photograph that shows blue and white striations. The iceberg first detached from Antarctica's Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986 and scientists report it may disintegrate within days to weeks. Noted observations: - Satellite imagery shows large surface melt ponds that give the remaining ice an aquamarine blue color. - The MODIS image indicates water pooled on top of the berg and a lighter area that may reflect a place where water pushed through the ice. - An ISS photograph shows parallel striations on the iceberg's surface consistent with past glacier flow across bedrock. - A-23A was about 1,500 square miles when it calved in 1986 and is now roughly 456 square miles while drifting north of South Georgia Island in water near 3°C. Summary: Scientists report that A-23A is actively breaking apart and displays widespread surface melting, and they estimate the iceberg could fully disintegrate within days to weeks. Its current position is north of South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic and it is moving into warmer waters. Undetermined at this time.