On the 14th of November 1963 seamen, fishing about 20km southwest of Heimaey observed the beginnings of an undersea eruption that originated at a 130 metre depth.
An island eventually rose to a height of 169 metres above sea level that had an area of 2,5km˛. This island was named Surtsey for Surtur, the fire possessing giant of Norse mythology who would set fire to the earth at the Last Judgment.
For three and a half years Surtsey rumbled and lava flowed. Long before the eruption stopped the island was proclaimed a nature preserve and all travel there was restricted to scientist that used this unique opportunity to study the gradual development of life on a sterile landmass.
Surtsey is a favorite resting place for migratory birds during seasonal flights to and from Iceland and Europe. They visit there yearly by the thousands. Seals also visit the island and relax on its beaches.
Today five species of birds nest on Surtsey: the Herring Gull, the Black Backed Gull, the Black Guillemot, The Kittiwake and Fulmar which was the first species to nest there and hatch its young on the warm lava in 1970. |
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