Once-In-A-Century Iceberg Set To Hit Australia

Authorities have issued a shipping warning as a rare giant iceberg is spotted approaching Australia’s southwest coast.
The cliff of ice, measuring 54 square miles, was seen 1,100 miles (1,700 kilometres) off the coast of Sydney today, sparking fears for passing ships.
Experts fear that the iceberg, known as B17B, will collapse into hundreds of smaller blocks as it approaches warmer waters, creating hazardous conditions for mariners.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the iceberg was observed southwest of the West Australian coast at 12pm on December 9 and is being monitored through satellite imaging.
The iceberg dislodged from Antarctica around a decade ago when parts of two major ice shelves – the Ross Sea Ice Shelf and Ronne Ice Shelf – fractured.
Glaciologist Neal Young of the Australian Antarctic Division said he was not aware of such a large iceberg being found in the area since the days when 19th century clipper ships plied the trade route between Britain and Australia.
Dr Young said: “It’s still 1,700 kilometres away, so it’s quite a long way away, it’s not really on our doorstep yet but it’s been heading steadily towards us.”
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Giant-Iceberg-Set-To-Hit-Australian-Coast-Authorities-Issue-Shipping-Warning/Article/200912215497919?lpos=World_News_First_Strange_News__Article_Teaser_Region__4&lid=ARTICLE_15497919_Giant_Iceberg_Set_To_Hit_Australian_Coast:_Authorities_Issue_Shipping_Warning