Surtsey Island, the Earth's Youngest Island

 

On the 14th of November, 1963 Icelandic seamen, that were fishing about 20 km southwest of Heimaey observed the beginnings of an undersea eruption that originated at a 130 meters depth. Surtsey is not only one of the world's newest islands, but the most filmed and researched and one of the most restricted. Ever since the eruption in 1963 which heaved it up out of the waters 18km (11 miles) south-west of Heimaey, its progress has been monitored. This has been giving scientists a fascinating insight into how a new island evolves, how flora and fauna develop and so on. Because of this very few people are now allowed to visit the island, and special permits are only granted for scientific research.