The eruption began 130 meters below sea level and breached the surface in November 1963. Surtsey is named after Surtr, a fire giant from Norse mythology.

This process, known as primary succession, shows how ecosystems build from scratch. The first seeds arrived via ocean currents, and birds later brought insects.

The harsh North Atlantic waves easily wash away Surtsey's loose volcanic ash. Since its peak size in 1967, the island has lost about half of its surface area.

When hot magma hits shallow water, it rapidly flashes into steam. This reaction causes highly explosive, ash-rich plumes rather than slow-moving lava flows.