Icebergs are typically known for their white and gruff appearance, but a rare phenomenon recently revealed the stunning underside of one. Filmmaker Alex Cornell captured photos of an iceberg near the Antarctic Peninsula, showcasing its crystal-like beauty. The iceberg, which had flipped over, displayed a glossy underside that is rarely seen. This natural wonder occurred in the cold region of the South Pole during Cornell’s family vacation. The underside of an iceberg is usually hidden beneath the water’s surface, making it a rare sight to behold.
Icebergs, formed from freshwater ice breaking off glaciers in a process called calving, can float due to three key reasons: the density difference between liquid water and ice, trapped air within the ice, and freshwater’s lower density compared to seawater. Flipping of icebergs often occurs when they start to melt or due to heavy storms and turbulence. With climate change contributing to rapid melting in polar regions, iceberg flipping is becoming more common. The blue hue of older icebergs is caused by the scattering of blue light through dense ice crystals, reflecting a unique and captivating appearance.
Reflected blue lights
The stunning underside of an iceberg is a rare natural wonder that Alex Cornell was fortunate to capture on film. The beauty of this crystal-like ice formation, revealed when the iceberg flipped over, is a sight to behold for anyone lucky enough to witness it. The blue hue of the iceberg is a result of the ice crystals scattering blue light while absorbing red and yellow light, creating a breathtaking visual display. This captivating phenomenon is a reminder of the wonders of nature and the beauty that lies beneath the surface of even the most familiar landscapes.
