Iceberg


This tabular iceberg in the Weddell Sea was formed when glacial ice broke away from the floating ice sheets that surround much of Antarctica. This iceberg floats with about 20 meters showing above the water level. Since ice is about 90% of the density of seawater, the iceberg probably extends about 200 meters below the sea surface. As a result, icebergs respond more to ocean currents than to winds, whereas the sea ice (which is only 1-2 m thick) responds more to the wind field. Because of this, icebergs move relative to the sea ice, and areas of open water are frequently found on one side of the iceberg.
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