Iceberg B-17B was an iceberg twice the size of Manhattan,[1] that floated in the Southern Ocean approximately 1,700 kilometres (1,100 mi) off the coast of Western Australia. Iceberg B-17B measured approximately 140 square kilometres (54 sq mi).[2] B-17B originated in the first half of 2000 when the iceberg B17 split into two parts.[3] B17 itself had broken off from the Ross Ice Shelf two months before.[3]

Iceberg B-17B
NOAA satellite image of Iceberg B-17B, December 11, 2009.
NOAA satellite image of Iceberg B-17B, December 11, 2009.
Iceberg B-17B is located in Oceania
Iceberg B-17B
Iceberg B-17B
Iceberg B-17B in relation to Australia (Oceania)
Coordinates: 48°47′59″S 107°30′02″E / 48.79972°S 107.50056°E / -48.79972; 107.50056
Part ofRoss Ice Shelf (originally)
Offshore water bodiesSouthern Ocean
Area
 • Total140 km2 (54 sq mi) (at break)

In mid-December 2009 the Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning to users of shipping lanes in the area.[1][4] By the 31st of that month the main body of the iceberg had broken into three pieces.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Giant iceberg heading toward Australia. CNN. Accessed 2009-12-9.
  2. ^ Monster iceberg shedding hundreds of offshoots| yahoo! News
  3. ^ a b c "Iceberg B17B in the Southern Ocean". acecrc.org.au. Antarctic climate & ecosystems cooperative research centre. 31 December 2009. Archived from the original on 23 February 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  4. ^ "Shipping alert issued over giant iceberg". Associated Press. 2009-12-11. Retrieved 2009-12-11.

48°47′59″S 107°30′02″E / 48.79972°S 107.50056°E / -48.79972; 107.50056