While the exact depth of an iceberg in water varies depending on its specific shape and the density of the water and ice, ice formations must meet certain significant size criteria, including a substantial overall thickness, to be classified as an iceberg.
According to recent classification standards, to be formally recognized as an iceberg, an ice mass must meet several requirements regarding its dimensions. Crucially, the ice must have a thickness of 98-164 feet.
This required thickness highlights the immense scale of icebergs. Although the familiar image of an iceberg often focuses on the part visible above the waterline, typically only about one-tenth of an iceberg's total mass is seen. The vast majority of its bulk, and therefore its depth, lies submerged beneath the surface. The 98-164 feet thickness requirement specified for classification refers to the overall vertical extent of the ice mass.
For context, here are the key requirements mentioned for classification as an iceberg:
- Height above sea level: Greater than 16 feet
- Thickness: 98-164 feet
- Area covered: At least 5,382 square feet
This classification criteria, particularly the significant thickness requirement of 98-164 feet, underscores that icebergs are massive structures with a considerable portion extending deep underwater.
