What is an iceberg?

For a piece of floating ice to officially qualify as an iceberg, it must meet specific size requirements. The ice must rise more than 16 feet above the ocean surface, have a thickness between 98 and 164 feet, and cover an area of at least 5,382 square feet.

Ice formations that are smaller than these measurements are classified differently. These smaller ice fragments are known as “bergy bits” and “growlers.” They can break away from glaciers or ice shelves, and they may also form when a larger iceberg fractures into smaller pieces.

Bergy Bits and Growlers

A bergy bit is a moderate-sized piece of floating ice. Its height usually measures more than three feet but less than 16 feet above sea level, while its surface area typically ranges from around 1,076 to 3,229 square feet.

Growlers are much smaller pieces of ice. They are generally comparable in size to objects such as a truck or a grand piano. These fragments rise less than three feet above the water’s surface and usually cover an area of approximately 215 square feet.

Different Shapes of Icebergs

Icebergs are also categorized according to their physical appearance. The two primary groups are tabular icebergs and non-tabular icebergs.

Tabular icebergs are recognized by their flat upper surfaces and steep, vertical sides, giving them a shape similar to a massive floating plateau. Non-tabular icebergs have more varied forms, including rounded domes, sharp peaks, and tall spire-like structures.

Monitoring and Tracking Icebergs

Icebergs around the world are observed and tracked by the U.S. National Ice Center (NIC). This organization provides assessments and predictions regarding ice conditions in the Arctic, Antarctic, the Great Lakes, and Chesapeake Bay.

The NIC is the only agency responsible for officially naming and monitoring every iceberg found in the Antarctic region, helping scientists and maritime organizations follow changes in these enormous floating ice formations.