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Greenland Icebergs' Epic 3,000km Journey to Canada
27 Feb
Summary
- Eqi glacier in Greenland births icebergs for Canadian waters.
- Icebergs travel over 3,000 km across the ocean.
- Diving reveals unique ecosystems beneath melting icebergs.
The Eqi glacier in western Greenland initiates the remarkable voyage of countless icebergs destined for Canadian shores. Formed from accumulated snow, these massive ice formations calve off the glacier, beginning an epic journey of over 3,000 kilometers across the open ocean.
These icebergs first make their way to Disko Bay, eventually flowing into ocean currents that carry them towards North America. Along their path, they pass by Ilulissat, Greenland, offering a spectacular natural display.
Beneath the visible mass, a hidden world thrives. Divers like Jill Heinerth explore these environments, collecting water samples that show how melting freshwater ice interacts with saltwater. This process creates unique conditions where phytoplankton can flourish around the icebergs.
As they drift south into warmer waters, icebergs continuously melt and break apart. By the time they reach the coast of Newfoundland, their appearance is significantly altered, yet they remain impressive. Ultimately, these icy titans succumb to the sun and waves, melting into the tides, but not before offering valuable insights.
