Iceberg A-23A broke away from Antarctica's Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986. It was huge then, almost twice the size of Rhode Island at 4,000 square kilometers. Now, it has shrunk to about 1,182 square kilometers after breaking into pieces during 2025. The iceberg floats in the South Atlantic, where its surface is soaked with blue meltwater. Satellite pictures from late December 2025 show pools of blue water in cracks and grooves. These meltwater pools press into the ice, forcing cracks wider. A white rim around the edges, called a rampart moat, forms from melting and ice flexing at the water line. The iceberg still shows ancient lines from when it was part of a glacier. These streaks have lasted hundreds of years and guide how water flows on its surface. Scientists say the iceberg looks like it’s in its final stage. A bright rough area near the edge may be a blowout, where gathered water suddenly drains to the ocean, dragging loose ice and creating a freshwater plume. A-23A now drifts in waters near 3 degrees Celsius and is moving toward warmer currents. Experts say few big icebergs last long in this ocean area. After staying grounded in the Weddell Sea for over 30 years, the iceberg began moving in 2020. It then spun in place for months before drifting north near South Georgia Island. It grounded again and then moved back to open water, steadily breaking apart since. Scientists have tracked A-23A for their whole careers using satellite records. Its journey has been unusual and long. Meanwhile, other large icebergs remain near Antarctica, waiting their turn to drift, change, and vanish in warmer seas.