Surtsey ("Surtr's island" in Icelandic, Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈsʏr̥(t)sˌeiː] ⓘ) is an uninhabited volcanic island located in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago off the southern coast of Iceland.

On November 14, 1963, a new island emerged from the sea. Surtsey is about 20 miles (32 km) off the southern coast of Iceland. It began as an undersea volcanic eruption that built an island...

Nov 14, 2023 · Today marks exactly 60 years since the start of the eruption that formed Surtsey island, off Iceland’s south coast. The island, which has been closed to the public since its formation, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Jan 22, 2024 · Today, the island is being eroded by the large waves of the North Atlantic Ocean and will probably disappear unless it erupts anew. It is presently volcanically quiet. Is Surtsey volcano still active?

The volcanic island of Surtsey rose from the sea 33 km south of Iceland on November 14, 1963. It is now a nature reserve. It is named after the giant Surt, who according to Norse mythology sets the world on fire with his flame sword when Ragnarok occurs.

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.

Apr 25, 2017 · Surtsey Island belongs to Iceland as it declared in the first year, though two French journalists landed on the island and jokingly made a claim for France. The island will not be there forever as erosion shows, with its original size of 0.965 square miles now …

This explosion created a brand new landmass just off the coast of Iceland which has been known as Surtsey after Surtur, the Norse god of fire. On November the 14 th this volcano breached the surface Atlantic Ocean and a new island was officially formed.

Jun 15, 2022 · Even today, a researchers’ red-roofed hut and an abandoned lighthouse foundation are the only buildings on Surtsey. Though most of the island is barren, a heart-shaped patch of green in the southwest corner supports lush growth and hundreds of bird nests.

Jun 24, 2024 · Surtsey is not the only new island that has captured the world’s attention in recent years. In 2023, another island was formed as a result of volcanic activity off the coast of Iwo Jima, reaching a diameter of 100 meters.