Icebergs sing, changing the planet's ecosystems

Victor, Unsplash

Icebergs breaking off from glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland create some of the loudest natural sounds in the oceans. From melodic "songs" to rumbles and "explosions," these sounds tell the story of the life and death of icebergs, as well as the climate changes that are accelerating their destruction.

What do icebergs sound like?

Antarctica: Icebergs produce low-frequency "songs" that can be heard thousands of kilometres away. They occur when icebergs rub against each other or the sea floor.
Arctic: The sounds are different here - loud "explosions" and rumbles as glaciers break off and icebergs collide with the water.

Scientists use these sounds to study ice melting and movement. For example, they help estimate the rate of ice loss, especially in winter when access to regions is limited.

Iceberg noise affects not only research but also marine animals:

Narwhals and whales: Noise from icebergs can drown out their communication or even damage their hearing.
Changes in whale "songs": Studies show that as noise from icebergs increases, whales lower the frequencies of their sounds and make them louder.

Melting ice not only threatens ecosystems, but may also deprive us of a unique phenomenon - the "songs" of icebergs. Scientists continue to work to preserve and document this natural wonder before it disappears forever.

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