Giant Antarctic iceberg heads toward N.Zealand: experts
◙ Republic of Australia ☻☺☻
(AFP) – Nov 12, 2009
SYDNEY — A giant iceberg twice the length of Beijing's "Bird's Nest"
Stadium has been spotted floating off Australia and could be headed
for New Zealand, scientists said on Thursday.
The ice chunk, measuring some 700 metres (2,300 feet) long with an
estimated depth of 350 metres, caused a stir when it was sighted by
experts based on Australia's remote Macquarie Island.
"I've never seen anything like it -- we looked out to the horizon and
just saw this huge floating island of ice," said fur seal biologist
Dean Miller.
Australian Antarctic Division glaciologist Neal Young said the flat-
topped slab could break into dozens of smaller icebergs as it moves in
the direction of New Zealand, causing a possible shipping hazard.
"It's rare to make a sighting like this -- it's certainly impressive-
looking," Young told AFP.
He said the iceberg had probably split from a major Antarctic ice
shelf nine years ago, and said more could be expected in the area if
global warming continues.
"If the current trends in global warming were to continue I would
anticipate seeing more icebergs and the large ice shelves breaking
up," he added.
▬
HOOROO
UNCLE WALLY
Rocka Billy Yeahaw
wrote:
Considering this POST was 'started' on Nov. 12
And this 'drift' hasn't hit anywhere 'serious' just yet.
I would consider this a "None Issue"event - here.]
That doesn't mean that 'events' (like this)
may not be dangerous - in the FUTURE.
Just A Keep Your Eyes Southward Thought - HERE !!!
8< \