The world’s largest iceberg ever discovered broke off from one of Antarctica’s glaciers in 2000
The largest iceberg in history, B-15, continues to leave its mark decades later: although it broke up soon after, some of its remains were still being monitored in 2023.
Although the A23a may have been more popular at one point, the reality is that it is the B15 iceberg that continues to hold the record for the largest size. In March 2000, B-15 broke off from the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica. It measured approximately 295 km long by 37 km wide and covered about 4,247 square miles, an area similar to that of Jamaica.
Scientists believe that its formation was part of a natural cycle of fractures in the Ross Ice Shelf that occurs every few decades. The event was so notable that it caught the world’s attention, and far from remaining a niche topic within the scientific community, it gained an unprecedented level of attention for a phenomenon of this kind.
As we mentioned earlier, you’ve probably heard more about the A23a, but that’s because of its long lifespan; the B15’s wasn’t particularly notable. Shortly after breaking apart, B-15 began to fragment, and between 2000 and 2003 it split into several blocks, the most significant of which was B-15A, which eventually covered about 2,471 square miles.
That said, this B-15A became a scientific celebrity in its own right. For years, it drifted across the Ross Sea (New Zealand) and caused significant disruptions to sea ice circulation. It even hampered resupply efforts to Antarctic research stations by blocking shipping routes. In April b, B-15A collided with the Drygalski Glacier Tongue, a massive floating expanse of ice jutting out from the Antarctic coast. The impact tore off part of that glacial formation, while the iceberg itself appeared to suffer little immediate damage. Months later, it ran aground and continued to break apart into numerous smaller blocks.
Although the original B-15 disappeared long ago, some fragments survived for many years. As recently as 2023–2025, the U.S. National Ice Center was still tracking fragments identified as B-15AB, evidence of the iceberg’s extraordinary longevity.
Are there still fragments of B15?
Surprisingly, yes. According to the U.S. National Ice Center, in 2023 there was still one fragment large enough to continue being officially monitored: B-15AB. This iceberg measured approximately 12.4 mi × 4.3 mi and remained stranded near the Antarctic coast, in the western Amery region.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!