Italian researchers predict that due to increasing atmospheric temperature over Antarctica an iceberg measuring 2876 sq km may break off from the frozen continent within 3 years, reports IPS.

The researchers argue that "all signs indicate the heating up of the continental shelf, which may have dramatic consequences." Once the iceberg has separated from the main chunk of Antarctica, sea currents will rapidly take it past Malvinas island towards South America, where it could be a major obstacle to busy shipping routes along the coast.