Giant iceberg spotted south of Australia

A monster iceberg nearly twice the size of Hong Kong island has been spotted drifting towards Australia in what scientists called a once-in-a-century event.

Australian glaciologist Neal Young pinpointed the slab, which is some 19km long and about 1700km south of the country, using satellite imagery. He said he was not aware of such a large iceberg being found in the area since the days when 19th century clipper ships plied the trade route between Britain and Australia.

Young said the iceberg measured about 140 square kilometres. Hong Kong island's surface area is about 80 square kilometres. The glaciologist said the iceberg carved off the Antarctic about 10 years ago and had been slowly floating round the icy continent before taking the unusual route north. Young described the icebergs as uncommon, but said they could become more frequent if sea temperatures rise through global warming.