Volt Island Island Surtsey - World Natural Heritage in Iceland

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized Surtsey Volcanic Island of Iceland as World Natural Heritage 2008.

Surtsey Volcano Island is an island located off the southern coast of Iceland, the island was formed during volcanic eruptions . Originally the island was 130 meters below sea level, until November 1963 in an island eruption, which erupted until June 5, 1967. After rising out of the water completely, the island has an area of ​​2.7 km2. However, since 1967 until now, the erosion of wind and waves has caused the island to be reduced in size. The most recent survey of the island area has decreased ½ to only 1.4 km2.

Surtsey's name is named after a giant volcano in Norse mythology. Since being formed, especially after rising above the sea, Surtsey Island has been continuously studied by volcanologists about the eruption process as well as its formation. A few years after emerging from the water, the island also attracted a large number of botanists and biologists to participate in the study when the life gradually formed on the island (when newly formed on the island without life).

The process of erupting and rising from the sea surface of Surtsey volcano island in Iceland.This process took place continuously from 1963 and ended in 1967.

Located 130 meters deep under the sea level, Surtsey volcano has many different eruptions that make one into a small island that until today they still submerge. Among those islands is the oldest volcanic island, Surtla, 2.5 km northeast of Surtsey. The island has a depth of 6m, a width of 600m and a length of 900m. About 500m east of the volcanic island of Surtsey is Syrlingur , the island is located at a distance of about 2.5m with an area of ​​about 1,600m.

Through many times of research, survey, measurement, scientists have concluded: Surtsey volcanic island is a top-level volcano, the slope slopes down to the sea floor . The rocks on the island's surface have two main types : tephra and lava . Tephra is distributed in the center of the island on an area of ​​0.34 km2 in two main craters. Tephra is formed from fragments of lava when they are erupted in seawater and undergo the palagonite process in the two ravines. Forty years after the eruption, 85% of tephra was transformed into tuff and covered over 0.24 km2. Lava has the same properties as in some other islands in Iceland with main components including basalt, plagioclase and spinel .

The surface of the volcanic island after the end of the process emerges on the sea surface.

Within more than 30 years since the eruption completely ceased the area of ​​the island has been encroached and eroded by mòn of the area. But through many studies and analyzes of scientists, the island will not be completely lost. The reason is that because the area is corroded, the invasion is made of tephra stone, loose and easy to be washed away by the sea, corroding sea water. But the remaining parts are made of very solid and durable lava, not easily corroded, aggressive as those made from tephra.

1965 was the year that marked the appearance of the first plant appearing on Surtsey Island. In 1967, scientists found the appearance of moss and in 1970 the presence of lichen in the lava area. So far, mosses and lichens have covered most of the island. Although many species of plants have been found in the island, most die only about 10 species can live and develop on the island's poor nutrient environment. When birds begin to come and build nests on the island, the soil here is significantly improved, many species can live on the island more. In 1998, for the first time, a species of shrub appeared and could grow on the island, including tea leaves . This plant grows up to 4m tall and can adapt to harsh environments. In 2008, scientists recorded 69 species of plants growing on the island, including 30 well-developed species.

It is the emergence of birds that help island soil better create an environment for plant growth. As the plant grows to meet the food for birds, so on the volcanic island of Surtsey there are more and more plants and birds growing. Among the most numerous bird species on the island, the gull , this bird has appeared on the island since 1984. Several years later, the seagulls and now Surtsey volcanic islands are seen in many places. migratory birds.

Not only do birds choose Surtsey volcanic island as a place to grow, some marine species also come to the island. In 1983, scientists found the first sea ​​bridge in the island. A group of about 70 gray seal individuals came to the island and chose the island as a residence. Because of being submerged in sea water for many years and still partially submerged under seawater, the marine creatures on the island also have sea urchins and rock snails .

The most interesting thing is the discovery of the presence of insects on the island in 1964. According to scientists, these insects were present on the island immediately after the island ended the process of rising on the surface of the sea. . Many assumptions suggest that these insects come from the winds of continental Europe. Along with plants, insects are the main food for birds, bird droppings enrich soil and so on the island life becomes more and more diverse. Earthworms were first found in 1993 and snails in 1998, then spiders and beetles were also found.

Although not a natural heritage that attracts tourists, Surtsey volcanic island is an area of ​​great significance for volcanic and geological researchers and so far Surtsey volcanic island still has much research. perform its position, its impact on the surrounding areas.