Perito Moreno Glacier ice bridge collapses into lake in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Tourists in southern Argentina had the opportunity to witness a breathtaking natural phenomenon when huge chunks of the Perito Moreno Glacier broke off in front of them.

The pieces of ice crashed into Lake Argentina on Thursday, prompting cheers from onlookers at Los Glaciares National Park.

The massive natural monument in the province of Santa Cruz is approximately 97 square miles (250 kilometers), and its walls tower about 70 meters (yards) over water level.

Periodically the glacier advances over the lake and then breaks off.

The glacier last ruptured in March 2012.

Story written by the Associated Press.