states: [iceland]
category: natural
year: 2008
region: Europe and North America
latitude/longitude: 63.3030555556, -20.6022222222
unesco id: 1267
world heritage site: 1267
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Surtsey, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland, is a volcanic island formed by underwater eruptions between 1963 and 1967, offering a unique natural laboratory for studying ecological succession and geological processes. Named after the Norse fire giant Surtr, it remains uninhabited and strictly protected, allowing scientists to observe the gradual colonization of life, from microorganisms to plants and birds, in a pristine environment. Its significance lies in its untouched state, providing valuable insights into the Earth’s evolutionary history and the resilience of ecosystems.