Icebergs: The Great Diversity

The lore of icebergs appeals to many people. Whether in the North Atlantic or off the coasts of Antarctica, large chunks of ice drift majestically in the world's oceans, carried along by the swift currents and strong winds. Stories and pictures of these floating islands have fascinated sailors and landlubbers alike for many genera­tions. Just what is it about icebergs that draws so many admirers? Set against a clear blue sky, an iceberg shines radiantly. The way the ice seems to glow when the sun hits it is outstanding. Like a giant prism, multi-colored beams of light emanate from its many faceted surfaces. Even in gray and stormy skies, icebergs carry a certain brilliance that sparks the imagination.

Besides the esthetic properties, icebergs have a special mystique about them. From a distance, they can appear to be small and obscure. As we approach them, how­ever, their true size becomes evident, transforming them into towering masses of frozen water. That is only the beginning. What we see floating and bobbing in the sea is only a small part of the iceberg. Most of the ice rides beneath the waves, hidden from sight. Under the surface of the water, ice can extend far beyond its visible edges. Divers have gone to great lengths to explore the depths surrounding these chunks of ice. They have captured amazing pictures of underwater ice caverns and crevices, only adding to the inherent beauty of icebergs.

Perhaps part of the reason the lore of icebergs is so great is because they are a lot like people. They just seem to drift along, carried by the currents and winds of life. When the light shines on them, it can be a beauti­ful thing. Like icebergs, people also have a mysterious side to them. Only a little bit is visible from the surface. There is so much more that lies beneath. To fully understand people, dig deep beneath the surface and really get to know them. Kind of gives new meaning to the phrase "that's out cold," doesn't it?