An iceberg is a large piece of freshwater ice that has broken off a glacier or an ice
An iceberg is a large piece of freshwater ice that has broken off a glacier or an ice

shelf and is floating freely in open water. It may subsequently become frozen into pack
shelf and is floating freely in open water. It may subsequently become frozen into pack

ice. As it drifts into shallower waters, it may come into contact with the seabed, a process
ice. As it drifts into shallower waters, it may come into contact with the seabed, a process

referred to as seabed gouging by ice.
referred to as seabed gouging by ice.

Etymology
Etymology

The word "iceberg" is a partial loan translation from Dutch ijsberg, literally meaning ice
The word "iceberg" is a partial loan translation from Dutch ijsberg, literally meaning ice

mountain, cognate to Danish isbjerg, German Eisberg, Low Saxon Iesbarg and Swedish isberg.
mountain, cognate to Danish isbjerg, German Eisberg, Low Saxon Iesbarg and Swedish isberg.

Overview Because the density of pure ice is about 920
Overview Because the density of pure ice is about 920

kg/m³, and that of seawater about 1025 kg/m³, typically only one-tenth of the volume of
kg/m³, and that of seawater about 1025 kg/m³, typically only one-tenth of the volume of

an iceberg is above water. The shape of the underwater portion can be difficult to judge
an iceberg is above water. The shape of the underwater portion can be difficult to judge

by looking at the portion above the surface. This has led to the expression "tip of the
by looking at the portion above the surface. This has led to the expression "tip of the

iceberg", for a problem or difficulty that is only a small manifestation of a larger
iceberg", for a problem or difficulty that is only a small manifestation of a larger

problem. Icebergs generally range from 1 to 75 metres
problem. Icebergs generally range from 1 to 75 metres

above sea level and weigh 100,000 to 200,000 metric tons. The largest known iceberg in
above sea level and weigh 100,000 to 200,000 metric tons. The largest known iceberg in

the North Atlantic was 168 metres above sea level, reported by the USCG icebreaker East
the North Atlantic was 168 metres above sea level, reported by the USCG icebreaker East

Wind in 1958, making it the height of a 55-story building. These icebergs originate from the
Wind in 1958, making it the height of a 55-story building. These icebergs originate from the

glaciers of western Greenland and may have an interior temperature of −15 to −20 °C.
glaciers of western Greenland and may have an interior temperature of −15 to −20 °C.

Icebergs are usually confined by winds and currents to move close to the coast. The largest
Icebergs are usually confined by winds and currents to move close to the coast. The largest

icebergs recorded have been calved, or broken off, from the Ross Ice Shelf of Antarctica.
icebergs recorded have been calved, or broken off, from the Ross Ice Shelf of Antarctica.

Iceberg B-15, photographed by satellite in 2000, measured 295 by 37 kilometres, with
Iceberg B-15, photographed by satellite in 2000, measured 295 by 37 kilometres, with

a surface area of 11,000 square kilometres. The largest iceberg on record was an Antarctic
a surface area of 11,000 square kilometres. The largest iceberg on record was an Antarctic

tabular iceberg of over 31,000 square kilometres [335 by 97 kilometres] sighted 150 miles west
tabular iceberg of over 31,000 square kilometres [335 by 97 kilometres] sighted 150 miles west

of Scott Island, in the South Pacific Ocean, by the USS Glacier on November 12, 1956. This
of Scott Island, in the South Pacific Ocean, by the USS Glacier on November 12, 1956. This

iceberg was larger than Belgium. When a piece of iceberg ice melts, it makes
iceberg was larger than Belgium. When a piece of iceberg ice melts, it makes

a fizzing sound called "Bergie Seltzer". This sound is made when the water-ice interface
a fizzing sound called "Bergie Seltzer". This sound is made when the water-ice interface

reaches compressed air bubbles trapped in the ice. As this happens, each bubble bursts,
reaches compressed air bubbles trapped in the ice. As this happens, each bubble bursts,

making a 'popping' sound. The bubbles contain air trapped in snow layers very early in the
making a 'popping' sound. The bubbles contain air trapped in snow layers very early in the

history of the ice, that eventually got buried to a given depth and pressurized as it transformed
history of the ice, that eventually got buried to a given depth and pressurized as it transformed

into firn then to glacial ice. Recent large icebergs
into firn then to glacial ice. Recent large icebergs

Iceberg B-15 11,000 km2, 2000 Iceberg A-38, about 6,900 km2, 1998
Iceberg B-15 11,000 km2, 2000 Iceberg A-38, about 6,900 km2, 1998

Iceberg B-15A, 3,100 km2, broke off 2003 Iceberg C-19, 5,500 km2, 2002
Iceberg B-15A, 3,100 km2, broke off 2003 Iceberg C-19, 5,500 km2, 2002

Iceberg B-9, 5,390 km2, 1987 Iceberg B-31, 615 km2, 2014
Iceberg B-9, 5,390 km2, 1987 Iceberg B-31, 615 km2, 2014

Iceberg D-16, 310 km2, 2006 Ice sheet, 260 km2, broken off of Petermann
Iceberg D-16, 310 km2, 2006 Ice sheet, 260 km2, broken off of Petermann

Glacier in northern Greenland on Aug 5, 2010, considered to be the largest Arctic iceberg
Glacier in northern Greenland on Aug 5, 2010, considered to be the largest Arctic iceberg

since 1962. About a month later, this iceberg split into two pieces upon crashing into Joe
since 1962. About a month later, this iceberg split into two pieces upon crashing into Joe

Island in the Nares Strait next to Greenland. In June 2011, large fragments of the Petermann
Island in the Nares Strait next to Greenland. In June 2011, large fragments of the Petermann

Ice Islands were observed off the Labrador coast.
Ice Islands were observed off the Labrador coast.

Iceberg B-17B 140 km2, 1999, shipping alert issued December 2009.
Iceberg B-17B 140 km2, 1999, shipping alert issued December 2009.

Shape
Shape

In addition to size classification, icebergs can be classified on the basis of their shape.
In addition to size classification, icebergs can be classified on the basis of their shape.

The two basic types of iceberg forms are tabular and non-tabular. Tabular icebergs have steep
The two basic types of iceberg forms are tabular and non-tabular. Tabular icebergs have steep

sides and a flat top, much like a plateau, with a length-to-height ratio of more than
sides and a flat top, much like a plateau, with a length-to-height ratio of more than

5:1. This type of iceberg, also known as an ice island, can be quite large, as in the
5:1. This type of iceberg, also known as an ice island, can be quite large, as in the

case of Pobeda Ice Island. Antarctic icebergs formed by breaking off from an ice shelf,
case of Pobeda Ice Island. Antarctic icebergs formed by breaking off from an ice shelf,

such as the Ross Ice Shelf or Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, are typically tabular. The largest
such as the Ross Ice Shelf or Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, are typically tabular. The largest

icebergs in the world are formed this way. Non-tabular icebergs have different shapes
icebergs in the world are formed this way. Non-tabular icebergs have different shapes

and include: Dome: An iceberg with a rounded top.
and include: Dome: An iceberg with a rounded top.

Pinnacle: An iceberg with one or more spires. Wedge: An iceberg with a steep edge on one
Pinnacle: An iceberg with one or more spires. Wedge: An iceberg with a steep edge on one

side and a slope on the opposite side. Dry-Dock: An iceberg that has eroded to form
side and a slope on the opposite side. Dry-Dock: An iceberg that has eroded to form

a slot or channel. Blocky: An iceberg with steep, vertical sides
a slot or channel. Blocky: An iceberg with steep, vertical sides

and a flat top. It differs from tabular icebergs in that its shape is more like a block than
and a flat top. It differs from tabular icebergs in that its shape is more like a block than

a flat sheet. Monitoring
a flat sheet. Monitoring

Icebergs are monitored worldwide by the U.S. National Ice Center, established in 1995,
Icebergs are monitored worldwide by the U.S. National Ice Center, established in 1995,

which produces analyses and forecasts of Arctic, Antarctic, Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay
which produces analyses and forecasts of Arctic, Antarctic, Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay

ice conditions. More than 95% of the data used in its sea ice analyses are derived from
ice conditions. More than 95% of the data used in its sea ice analyses are derived from

the remote sensors on polar-orbiting satellites that survey these remote regions of the Earth.
the remote sensors on polar-orbiting satellites that survey these remote regions of the Earth.

The NIC is the only organization that names and tracks all Antarctic Icebergs. It assigns
The NIC is the only organization that names and tracks all Antarctic Icebergs. It assigns

each iceberg larger than 10 nautical miles along at least one axis a name composed of
each iceberg larger than 10 nautical miles along at least one axis a name composed of

a letter indicating its point of origin and a running number. The letters used are as
a letter indicating its point of origin and a running number. The letters used are as

follows: A – longitude 0° to 90° W
follows: A – longitude 0° to 90° W

B – longitude 90° W to 180° C – longitude 90° E to 180°
B – longitude 90° W to 180° C – longitude 90° E to 180°

D – longitude 0° to 90° E Iceberg B15 calved from the Ross Ice Shelf
D – longitude 0° to 90° E Iceberg B15 calved from the Ross Ice Shelf

in 2000 and initially had an area of 11,000 square kilometres. It broke apart in November
in 2000 and initially had an area of 11,000 square kilometres. It broke apart in November

2002. The largest remaining piece of it, Iceberg B-15A, with an area of 3,000 square kilometres,
2002. The largest remaining piece of it, Iceberg B-15A, with an area of 3,000 square kilometres,

was still the largest iceberg on Earth until it ran aground and split into several pieces
was still the largest iceberg on Earth until it ran aground and split into several pieces

October 27, 2005. It has been determined that the cause of the breakup was an ocean swell
October 27, 2005. It has been determined that the cause of the breakup was an ocean swell

generated by an Alaskan storm 6 days earlier and 13,500 kilometres away.
generated by an Alaskan storm 6 days earlier and 13,500 kilometres away.

History
History

In the 20th century, several scientific bodies were established to study and monitor the
In the 20th century, several scientific bodies were established to study and monitor the

icebergs. The International Ice Patrol, formed in 1914 in response to the Titanic disaster,
icebergs. The International Ice Patrol, formed in 1914 in response to the Titanic disaster,

monitors iceberg dangers near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and provides the "limits of
monitors iceberg dangers near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and provides the "limits of

all known ice" in that vicinity to the maritime community.
all known ice" in that vicinity to the maritime community.

Technology history Before April 1912 there was no system in place
Technology history Before April 1912 there was no system in place

to track icebergs to guard ships against collisions. The sinking of the RMS Titanic, which caused
to track icebergs to guard ships against collisions. The sinking of the RMS Titanic, which caused

the deaths of 1,517 of its 2,223 passengers, created the demand for a system to observe
the deaths of 1,517 of its 2,223 passengers, created the demand for a system to observe

icebergs. For the remainder of the ice season of that year, the United States Navy patrolled
icebergs. For the remainder of the ice season of that year, the United States Navy patrolled

the waters and monitored ice flow. In November 1913, the International Conference on the
the waters and monitored ice flow. In November 1913, the International Conference on the

Safety of Life at Sea met in London to devise a more permanent system of observing icebergs.
Safety of Life at Sea met in London to devise a more permanent system of observing icebergs.

Within three months the participating maritime nations had formed the International Ice Patrol.
Within three months the participating maritime nations had formed the International Ice Patrol.

The goal of the IIP was to collect data on meteorology and oceanography to measure currents,
The goal of the IIP was to collect data on meteorology and oceanography to measure currents,

ice-flow, ocean temperature, and salinity levels. They published their first records
ice-flow, ocean temperature, and salinity levels. They published their first records

in 1921, which allowed for a year-by-year comparison of iceberg movement.
in 1921, which allowed for a year-by-year comparison of iceberg movement.

New technologies monitor icebergs. Aerial surveillance of the seas in the early 1930s
New technologies monitor icebergs. Aerial surveillance of the seas in the early 1930s

allowed for the development of charter systems that could accurately detail the ocean currents
allowed for the development of charter systems that could accurately detail the ocean currents

and iceberg locations. In 1945, experiments tested the effectiveness of radar in detecting
and iceberg locations. In 1945, experiments tested the effectiveness of radar in detecting

icebergs. A decade later, oceanographic monitoring outposts were established for the purpose
icebergs. A decade later, oceanographic monitoring outposts were established for the purpose

of collecting data; these outposts continue to serve in environmental study. A computer
of collecting data; these outposts continue to serve in environmental study. A computer

was first installed on a ship for the purpose of oceanographic monitoring in 1964, which
was first installed on a ship for the purpose of oceanographic monitoring in 1964, which

allowed for a faster evaluation of data. By the 1970s, icebreaking ships were equipped
allowed for a faster evaluation of data. By the 1970s, icebreaking ships were equipped

with automatic transmissions of satellite photographs of ice in Antarctica. Systems
with automatic transmissions of satellite photographs of ice in Antarctica. Systems

for optical satellites had been developed but were still limited by weather conditions.
for optical satellites had been developed but were still limited by weather conditions.

In the 1980s, drifting buoys were used in Antarctic waters for oceanographic and climate
In the 1980s, drifting buoys were used in Antarctic waters for oceanographic and climate

research. They are equipped with sensors that measure ocean temperature and currents.
research. They are equipped with sensors that measure ocean temperature and currents.

Side looking airborne radar made it possible to acquire images regardless of weather conditions.
Side looking airborne radar made it possible to acquire images regardless of weather conditions.

On November 4, 1995, Canada launched RADARSAT-1. Developed by the Canadian Space Agency, it
On November 4, 1995, Canada launched RADARSAT-1. Developed by the Canadian Space Agency, it

provides images of Earth for scientific and commercial purposes. This system was the first
provides images of Earth for scientific and commercial purposes. This system was the first

to use synthetic aperture radar, which sends microwave energy to the ocean surface and
to use synthetic aperture radar, which sends microwave energy to the ocean surface and

records the reflections to track icebergs. The European Space Agency launched ENVISAT
records the reflections to track icebergs. The European Space Agency launched ENVISAT

on March 1, 2002. ENVISAT employs advanced synthetic aperture radar technology, which
on March 1, 2002. ENVISAT employs advanced synthetic aperture radar technology, which

can detect changes in surface height accurately. The Canadian Space Agency launched RADARSAT-2
can detect changes in surface height accurately. The Canadian Space Agency launched RADARSAT-2

in December 2007, which uses SAR and multi-polarization modes and follows the same orbit path as RADARSAT-1.
in December 2007, which uses SAR and multi-polarization modes and follows the same orbit path as RADARSAT-1.

See also List of recorded icebergs by area
See also List of recorded icebergs by area

Drift ice station Ice calving
Drift ice station Ice calving

Ice drift Polar ice cap
Ice drift Polar ice cap

Polar ice packs Polynya
Polar ice packs Polynya

Seabed gouging by ice Sea ice
Seabed gouging by ice Sea ice

Shelf ice References
Shelf ice References

External links Iceberg Finder Service for east coast of Canada
External links Iceberg Finder Service for east coast of Canada

Icebergs of The Arctic and Antarctic Works related to Iceberg at Wikisource
Icebergs of The Arctic and Antarctic Works related to Iceberg at Wikisource