This footage was filmed and produced 1 December 2023.

Scientists aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough, led by Dr. Andrew Meijers, Chief Scientist and Polar Oceans Science Leader at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), have conducted groundbreaking research around the A23a mega iceberg, recognized as the largest iceberg globally. The colossal iceberg, spanning 3,900km² and towering 400m high, was captured on video by Theresa Gossman, Matthew Gascoyne, and Christopher Grey, with contributions from Roseanne Smith.

Dr. Meijers expressed gratitude for the serendipitous alignment of the iceberg's path with the research vessel's trajectory, allowing the team to seize this unique opportunity. A23a gained global attention on November 24, 2023, when it transitioned from the Weddell Sea to the Southern Ocean. Having calved from the Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986, A23a is now set to traverse 'iceberg alley' toward South Georgia.

The RRS Sir David Attenborough, en route to the Weddell Sea, encountered A23a as part of its planned route. The vessel is embarking on the BIOPOLE cruise, the inaugural scientific mission aboard the research ship. This 10-day expedition aims to unravel the impact of Antarctic ecosystems and sea ice on global ocean cycles of carbon and nutrients.

Biogeochemist Laura Taylor emphasized the importance of collecting samples around A23a to understand its role in nutrient-rich environments. Professor Geraint Tarling, Principal Investigator on the BIOPOLE Programme, highlighted the significance of studying icebergs' impact on polar ecosystems, providing valuable insights into the sensitivity of these systems to climate change. The ongoing research promises to deepen our understanding of the intricate interactions between icebergs, ecosystems, and climate dynamics in the Southern Ocean.