Iceberg 'threat to ocean life'

Scientists warned yesterday that the incident could lead to lower levels of oxygen in the world’s oceans. The two icebergs, were now drifting together about 90 miles off the continent following the collision two weeks ago.

Australian Antarctic Division glaciologist Neal Young said the first berg, 60 miles long, collided with the giant floating Mertz Glacier and shaved off a new one. “They are now floating right next to each other,” he said.

The new iceberg is 48 miles by 24 miles and holds roughly the equivalent of a fifth of the world’s annual total water usage. Experts are concerned about the effect of the massive displacement of ice on the ice-free water next to the glacier, which is important for ocean currents.

AP Photo/Commonwealth of Australia