„En:Surtsey“: Munur á milli breytinga

The crew of the fishing boat Ísleifur II first reported undersea volcanic activity on the morning of November 14th 1963. Half a mile away (about 900 meters) from the crater they measured the sea temperature at 10°C.  

The eruption escalated quickly and four hours after it was originally reported the volcanic column had reached about 9.000 meters in height and the ash from the crater had created an island 10 meters above sea level in height where there used to be a 130 meters to the ocean floor so it is likely the eruption started a few days before it was originally discovered. When the wind blew from the southwest on the 12th of November they smelled sulfur at Vík í Mýrdal but no seismic activity had been reported in the days before the eruption. The eruption lasted with some stops until June 5th 1967 or for about three and a half years. The island is about 20 km southwest of Heimaey or about 30 km southwest of Landeyjarsandur on continental Iceland.

The eruption created the southernmost island in the Vestmannaeyjar island cluster and all Iceland, her central point is 61°18’N, 20°36’w. It is also the only island that has formed in recorded history around Iceland and it was formed in the greatest underwater eruption ever recorded.

The island was named Surtsey and the name is derived from norse mythology: Surtur the black is mentioned in Völuspá:

As soon as the island formed scientists realised what a great chance they had at studying a newly formed island and the colonization of life and its development on a new place. People are not allowed on the island unless it is for scientific purposes and permission from Surtseyjarfélagið is required to visit the island.

The underwater ecosystem is teaming with life and has a large variety of flora. Plankton, barnacles and starfish along with the most common aquatic organisms have been found around Surtsey and seals use the island for a resting place and breeding ground. Various kinds of moss, lichens and grasses are found on Surtsey and at least eight kind of birds make there homes on the island. The first bird to colonize was the Northern Fulmar in 1970. Various bugs have also been found on the island inc. Spiders, beetles and butterflies. In reacent years there have been questions concerning the future of Surtsey. Some want to open it for tourists and allow unlimited access to the island. Officials and the Surtseyjarfélag don’t agree and say that for an undetermined time the island will be used for research and therefore access will be restricted. Only time will tell what part Surtsey will play in the times to come.

== Surtseyjarfélagið ==

Two days before visible signs of the eruption sulfuric smell was reported in Vík í Mýrdal. That smell was more linked to glacial eruptions than undersea eruptions. A few small tremors had been picked up near the soon to be volcano but in Iceland seismic activity is common and researchers saw no problem with the activity south of Heimaey. Nothing was different from ant other winters day, fishing boats sailed around and birds dove into the sea and the weather was cold but mild. Scientists were afraid that an explosion might occur in the eruption if a new crack opened and sea would pour in and a massive explosion would follow. Boats were warned to stay at a safe distance for that reason.  

On the second day of the eruption the island was formed. This island was then just a pile of ashes. The island grew steadily throughout the eruption but constantly had to struggle for it’s existence against the weather and the Atlantic.  

== Geology ==

Lots of geological studies have been made on Surtsey both during and no less after it ended. Including studies into the flow of tephra and lava, mineralogy the chemical composition of gasses from the magma and sea and wind effects on the island. Of geophysical studies that have been made include weight measurements, seismic studies, magnetic and GPS-measuring.

== The future of the island ==

In recent years there have been questions into what the future may hold for Surtsey. Some want it open for tourism and allow everyone unlimited access. Officials and the Surtseyjarfélag don’t agree and say that for an undetermined time the island will be used for research and therefore will be restricted. Only time will tell what part Surtsey will play in the times to come. To this day new plants are being found on the island and animal life is flourishing. It is safe to say that life on Surtsey is beginning to look like life on any other of the islands. Puffins were first seen bringing fish to their young on the island in 2004 and that was the first time puffins were seen there. Surtsey has been invaluable specifically in concern to researches into how life in land spreads and starts on a new landmass.  

[[Flokkur:English]]