How do icebergs in the north Atlantic Ocean originate?

Icebergs were once glaciers. Glaciers form on land in regions of permanent, year-round snow accumulation. As the snow builds up over time it will compress into glacier ice and begin to flow downhill. If the glaciers have formed in an area were they can flow to the sea they will eventually end up in it! read more

Start studying geology glaciers. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. read more

So icebergs that have formed in Greenland (or similar glaciated areas in the far north) can drift south for a long way, given the right temperatures and ocean currents. The Labrador Current is primarily responsible for delivering icebergs from western Greenland to the North Atlantic. read more

Icebergs regularly break off from glaciers in the Arctic and make their way south to the North Atlantic Ocean, where they can come into contact with ships. The number of icebergs found in the North Atlantic Ocean changes from year to year. read more