Observations on Ice Floes

The canal is again frozen over and at some points ice extends across the Severn. We strongly urge the sprinkling of salt on the pavements when the snow is frozen upon it, by this means the ice will be immediately thawed, and may be easily cleared away.

—  Berrow’s Worcester Journal – 21 January 1830

Unusually cold winters have led to increased sightings of icebergs around the Atlantic area. Caution is advised when sailing in these waters.

— Seawatch Headline in 1839

Manifestation

Ships on trade routes across the Atlantic have reported increased numbers of icebergs and shards floating in the sea even in the middle of summer.
A number of ship accidents involving icebergs have been reported with more frequency in the last decade or so.
The most infamous of these ship accidents is the disappearance of the Carnation. It was a passenger ship that vanished without a trace in late 1839, presumably with all hands lost.
Other cases include a freight ship that had its hull stove in by a stray iceberg, though no lives were lost in this case.
Winters in England have been bitterly cold since the 1830s, a clue to the situation at sea. The cold winters have also led to more reports of related injuries such as frostbite or stuck extremities.

Causes

The most commonly accepted cause of the current increased number of icebergs is the world's weather changing. Whether the increased industry in the capitals and business towns plays a role remains to be seen.
How the weather changes play a role in frequent icebergs icebergs is an increase in water temperature in the Gulf Stream, which causes Arctic glaciers to break off in chunks quickly.

Localization

Due to icebergs being at the very northern and southern extremes of the world from the eternal winter, most cases are reported in the temperate sea regions.
Icebergs and floes can only be found in the sea. There have been no reported cases of icebergs in South Africa's oceans as of yet.

Type

Metaphysical, Elemental