2025-06-13T03:22:34Z

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In an astonishing moment that few have been fortunate enough to witness, a fisherman off the coast of Canada captured an extraordinary sight while at sea. Hallur Antoniussen, while aboard the fishing trawler Saputi in mid-May, encountered an iceberg that stood in stark contrast to the typical white ice formations commonly associated with these natural wonders. Floating amidst the pale chunks of ice in the frigid waters of the Labrador Sea, this particular iceberg was remarkably dark, appearing almost black as soot.

Antoniussen was taken aback by the sight, yet he managed to record the unusual iceberg, sharing it on social media for the world to see. Reflecting on his encounter, he told CBC Radio, “I have seen icebergs that are rolled, what they say have rolled in the beach with some rocks in it. This one here is completely different. It's not only that he is all black. He is almost … in a diamond shape.” His description highlights not only the color but also the unique structure of the iceberg, which sparked curiosity among observers.

When people envision icebergs, they often picture large, white landmasses of ice floating in sub-zero temperatures, occasionally showcasing subtle hues of blue or green that result from the scattering of light. However, the reality is that icebergs can exhibit a variety of colors, including darker shades. White icebergs appear bright due to tiny air pockets trapped within them, which scatter all wavelengths of light; hence, they reflect a white appearance.

As icebergs age, they undergo significant compression, expelling air and allowing light to penetrate more deeply, which can transform their appearance to a clearer, glass-like state. While blue wavelengths of light are scattered, red wavelengths are absorbed, often leading to the characteristic blue hue of older ice. Beyond the typical white and blue, some icebergs can take on a greenish tint due to the presence of iron oxides mixed in with the ice.

Interestingly, the black or dark gray tint seen in certain icebergs can often be attributed to the incorporation of dirt or other dark materials as the ice forms. This typically occurs when the ice rolls over dark surfaces, yet Antoniussen’s sighting was distinct from those observed in previous black icebergs. According to Lev Tarasov, a glaciologist at Memorial University in Canada, this particular black iceberg may have originated from a larger glacier that calved off and entered the ocean.

As glaciers advance toward the sea, they grind against the ground beneath them, mixing in various debris with the ice they carry. Tarasov mentioned that he has observed smaller ice fragments displaying similar characteristics in Greenland. This process raises intriguing questions about the age of Antoniussen’s iceberg. Tarasov speculates that the uniform mixture of dark materials suggests the ice could be quite old, potentially ranging from 1,000 to as much as 100,000 years old.

Another hypothesis regarding the iceberg’s striking color is that it may have absorbed soot from a significant volcanic eruption or could even hold remnants from a meteorite impact. The true origin of the iceberg remains a mystery, and without further sightings or studies conducted by scientists in the vicinity, we may never fully understand this remarkable phenomenon. For now, the unique black iceberg stands as a testament to the wonders of nature, leaving both scientists and enthusiasts alike eager for more discoveries like it in the future.