A23a

[10][11][12] In December 2024, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) reported that the iceberg had exited the Taylor column and was now beginning to drift further north through the Southern Ocean.

[13] The BAS expects A23a to follow the Antarctic Circumpolar Current towards the island of South Georgia in the southern Atlantic Ocean, where it will eventually encounter warmer water and break up into smaller icebergs.

[14][1] As of 23 January 2025,[update] A23a is 173 miles (278 km) away from South Georgia and still on its way towards the island, potentially threatening the penguin and seal populations by blocking their access to feeding grounds.

[1] On March 4, 2025 it was reported that A23a had grounded 73 km (45 mi) from South Georgia, marking the end of its drift since 2020 before it accelerated and then abruptly stopped near the island.

[15] The event underscores the broader impact of climate change on Antarctic ice loss, with researchers closely monitoring its effects on biodiversity and regional stability.