"Towering crystals that rise into the sky."
Icebergs have been described as, "towering crystals that rise into the sky." They are huge, glistening, white mountains that seem to float effortless on the ocean. In spring and early summer, Newfoundland's coast is often filled with approximately 400-800 icebergs mostly originating off the coast of Greenland. They move at a rate of 7km per hour, creeping or flowing stealthily under their own weight. They are bigger than many people realize as only one eighth of the iceberg can be seen, with the rest being submerged beneath the vast ocean. For this reason, it is wise to keep a good distance away from them, as all is not what it seems, something brought to the attention of the world with the infamous Titanic voyage and following disaster.
The average iceberg seen around the St. John's area weighs between one and two hundred thousand tonnes and is as tall as a 15 storey building. Icebergs also fall over or "calve" which produces an incredible sight and sound sensation. Birds taking flight off an iceberg is a good indicator of an imminent rolling over. So what is there to look for when you are face to face with an iceberg-except the magnificent beauty? There is the variety of shapes and sizes, as well as coloured streaks, caves, tunnels, waterline notches and even boulders and birds. The water inside icebergs is freshwater which is very pure and has been harvested in Newfoundland for bottled water and vodka.If you want to experience the incredible natural wonder of icebergs, Newfoundland is one of the best places in North America to feast your eyes on such a breathtaking sight.
