Surtsey, Iceland

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Surtsey, Iceland
Author: Worldtraveller (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0)

Surtsey is a volcanic island off the southern coast of Iceland. It is an island that emerged from under the sea on 14 November, 1963.

Surtsey was the result of a volcanic eruption that took place 130 meters (426 feet) below the surface of the sea. The eruption was continuous until 5 June, 1967, by which time the island of Surtsey had reached its maximum size of 2.7 square kilometers. Since then it has steadily reduced in size caused by wave erosion. By 2002, Surtsey is only 1.4 square kilometers.

The island of Surtsey was named after Surtr, the fire giant of Norse mythology. The emergence of this new island gave scientists and opportunity to study the flora and fauna that colonises it over time.

Surtsey was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee which was held in Quebec City, Canada, on 2 - 10 July, 2008.

Photos of Surtsey

Surtsey, Iceland
Author: CanonS2 (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)

Surtsey in the mist
Author: CanonS2 (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 63 18 11 W 20 36 8 32 km off the coast of Iceland
Inscription Year: 2008
Type of Site: Natural
Inscription Criteria: IX

Location Map of Surtsey

Click here if you cannot see the map. Surtsey is number 2 on the map.

View World Heritage Sites in Iceland in a larger map

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