World's biggest iceberg captured by camera and the images are stunning!
A68a is now just 200km from the island and there is a real possibility it could become stuck in shallow coastal waters
An aircraft of the British Royal AIr Force aircraft has captured a few images of the world's biggest iceberg as it drifts through the South Atlantic.
The A400m transporter flew low over the 4,200-sq-km block, known as A68a, to observe its increasingly ragged state, reports BBC.
The pictures reveal multiple cracks and fissures, innumerable icy chunks that have fallen off, and what appear to be tunnels extending under the waterline.
The Antarctic berg is currently bearing down on the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia.
A68a is now just 200km from the island and there is a real possibility it could become stuck in shallow coastal waters.
The British Forces South Atlantic Island (BFSAI) reconnaissance flight was sent out to assess the situation.
"Guided by satellite tracking, the A400M can get under the weather and closer to the iceberg, enabling more detailed observations," Squadron Leader
Michael Wilkinson, Officer Commanding 1312 Flt, said in a BFSAI Facebook posting.
"I know I speak on behalf of all of the crew involved when I say this is certainly a unique and unforgettable task to be involved in."
Satellite images acquired in recent weeks have also suggested that A68a's edges are crumbling rapidly.
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The A400m's new imagery - stills and video - will be analysed to try to understand how the berg might behave in the coming weeks and months.
Although currently heading straight at South Georgia, A68a is being carried in fast-moving waters that should divert the bloc in a loop around the southern part of the island.
Experts are surprised the iceberg hasn't lost more of its bulk. Many thought it would have shattered into several large pieces long before now.
