Iceberg B-17B | |
---|---|
Iceberg B-17B in relation to Australia (
Oceania) | |
Coordinates: 48°47′59″S 107°30′02″E / 48.79972°S 107.50056°E | |
Part of | Ross Ice Shelf (originally) |
Offshore water bodies | Southern Ocean |
Area | |
• Total | 140 km2 (54 sq mi) (at break) |
Iceberg B-17B was an iceberg twice the size of Manhattan, [1] that floated in the southern ocean approximately 1,700 kilometres (1,100 mi) off the coast of Western Australia. Iceberg B-17B measured approximately 140 square kilometres (54 sq mi). [2] B-17B originated in the first half of 2000 when the iceberg B17 split into two parts. [3] B17 itself had broken off from the Ross Ice Shelf two months before. [3]
In mid-December 2009 the Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning to users of shipping lanes in the area. [1] [4] By the 31st of that month the main body of the iceberg had broken into three pieces. [3]