Surtsey Island, a volcanic landmass off the southern coast of Iceland, continues to captivate scientists and nature enthusiasts alike since its formation in November 1963. Surtsey emerged from an explosive volcanic eruption that made a gradual retreat over the next several years. Today, it stands as a unique natural laboratory for studying ecological resilience and renewal in extreme environments. The island serves as a sanctuary for grey seals, which use its beaches to rest, breed and moult.
Since the first mighty eruption that drew international headlines—the story of Surtsey actually began a few kilometers away to the north. As the newly formed volcano erupted, lightning flashed through the winter sky, revealing an otherworldly landscape that would soon teem with life. By 1965, when the first scientists set foot on the island, they discovered evidence of nature’s tenacity: a clump of sea rocket had already taken root, brought to shore by the relentless Atlantic waves.
At first, scientists believed that algae and mosses would be the primary colonizers of this desolate frontier. It was the birds that were most important in Surtsey’s ecological development. Guano from these highly mobile seabirds transported seeds that helped grasslands spread rapidly across the island. By the close of the 20th century, a dozen species were calling Surtsey home. This was the thrilling opening act to a flourishing artist ecosystem.
“People thought, what now? Around 10 species had colonised Surtsey at that point. The plant cover was really scarce. But then the birds arrived,” – Pawel Wasowicz.
Beyond its importance to biology, Surtsey is a critical example and reminder of the indomitable power of nature, even under the most unyielding environments. In the meantime, scientists are watching the dramatic transformation on the island. They are very concerned that outside visitors don’t bring any new species with them, thus keeping the island’s ecological integrity intact. This stringent protection creates an irreplaceable living laboratory for crucial research and education, showing the world how ecosystems can be restored and adapt to change.
“It is very rare to have an eruption where an island forms and is long-lasting. It happens once every 3,000 to 5,000 years in this area,” – Olga Kolbrún Vilmundardóttir.
This means the island’s biodiversity will be at its height any day now. After that, it will slowly erode away, creating a desolate craggy lump in its wake. Scientists have been working full steam to study the intense, rapid changes occurring on Surtsey. They warn that by the end of this century, almost nothing will be left of a large chunk of the island. This interesting research in progress highlights the need to learn more about ecological succession and the life/death cycles that we cannot control.
Today, Surtsey is an important wildlife preserve. Grey seals are a common sight, basking on the rocky shores or swimming in the clear waters teaming with marine life. The island’s isolation from human activity allows for an unfiltered glimpse into natural processes, which is becoming increasingly rare in today’s world.
“I feel that Iceland is really contributing something important to humankind by preserving this area. On the mainland, the impact of humans is everywhere. When I am on Surtsey, I am really in nature. All you can hear are the birds. You see orcas along the coastline and the seals popping out and watching,” – Olga Kolbrún Vilmundardóttir.
The majority of the seeds on the island were brought there through gull poop. This leads to unexpected routes for plants to disperse and become established.
“It’s surprising. From the times of Darwin, biologists thought that it was just plant species with fleshy fruits that could travel with birds. But the species on Surtsey do not have fleshy fruits. Almost all of the seeds on Surtsey were brought in the faeces of the gulls,” – Pawel Wasowicz.
Though human access to the island is restricted, as Surtsey continues to evolve, it stands as a living testament to natural processes untouched by human interference. The island’s unusual and ever-changing ecology provides a unique opportunity for scientists to witness first-hand how life can evolve and adapt in the most extreme environments.