How are Antarctic icebergs different from Arctic icebergs?

Antarctic and Arctic icebergs differ primarily in their size, shape, and origin.

Size and Shape
Antarctic icebergs are generally much larger than those found in the Arctic. While Arctic icebergs typically have diameters of 100–300 metres, Antarctic icebergs often reach 300–500 metres, with some exceeding 1 km in length. Arctic icebergs are characterized by random, irregular shapes because they originate from narrow, fast-flowing glaciers that descend through mountainous terrain, creating structural stresses and crevasses. In contrast, Antarctic icebergs are often tabular—large, flat-topped masses that break off from expansive ice shelves.12

Origin
* Antarctic: These icebergs primarily calve from ice shelves, which are thick, floating extensions of ice sheets that cover the continent.13
* Arctic: Most Arctic icebergs originate from tidewater glaciers that flow through coastal mountains, particularly those associated with the Greenland Ice Sheet.12

While the Arctic has "ice islands"—large, tabular features similar to Antarctic bergs—they are distinct in their formation and are generally thinner than their Antarctic counterparts.2