B2 – Upper Intermediate
A23a is biggest and oldest iceberg on the planet. It is twice the size of Great London. The last time it broke off the ice shelf was in 1986. Then, in 2020, scientists started seeing the iceberg moving a little bit.
Recently, it’s been observed to be drifting away from Antarctica and making its way toward Southern Ocean.
Read the article and also watch the short video of British Antarctic Survey glaciologist Oliver Marsh as he talks about A23a and its current state and course.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the phrase ”calf off” mean? “Since calving off West Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986, the iceberg — which once hosted a Soviet research station — has largely been stranded after its base became stuck on the floor of the Weddell Sea.” Use this expression in a sentence.
- What does the idiom “to gain steam” mean? “As it gains steam, the colossal berg will likely be launched into the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This will funnel it toward the Southern Ocean on a path known as “iceberg alley” where others of its kind can be found bobbing in dark waters.” Make a sentence using this phrase.
- What does “to make a run for it” mean, “Why the berg is making a run for it now remains to be seen.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘iceberg’?
- What are your thoughts on the biggest iceberg being on the move?
- What caused this move?
- What impact can this have on the surrounding environment?
- How do icebergs affect the Earth?
- What will happen if icebergs melt?
2 replies on “Largest Iceberg Breaks Free”
1. I think Titanic comes to mind for everyone, this iconic stirt is the first thing that comes to my mind.
2. This is a big signal that something is happening in the world today. There are many signs of this temperature change. Is this caused by human actions or is it the logical evolution of the climate?
3. The compactation of the ice is less than before and contact with the other side of ice or land has been disconnected.
4. That types of changes impact all species. The animal would lose this piece of land to walk, grow or live. Some plants would lost the ground to grow.
5. Many rivers without these glaciers would be lost. Lakes would also dry up.
6. The melting of icebergs affects the structure of the ocean, this situation changes salt balances of the seas.
Good going with practicing your writing skills. Keep it up!
Look at an expression you can replace ‘temperature change’ with to be more accurate with your word choice.
Happy writing!