Smaller icebergs are expected in Prince William Sound shipping lanes over the next decade.
Columbia Glacier icebergs are shrinking because of the greater distance they travel as the glacier recedes from the terminal moraine at the head of Columbia Bay.
Icebergs remain a serious threat to ocean faring vessels since the smaller ice bergs can more easily escape the terminal moraine, leading to more ice bergs in shipping lanes.
In 1994, one tanker, the Overseas Ohio, was seriously damaged by a collision with an iceberg as it was northbound to transport oil.
Columbia Glacier has receded more than 10 miles since the 1980’s.
