Wild grass growing in black sands of volcanic island, Surtsey, Iceland

Surtsey Island, off the south coast of Iceland, was created by undersea volcanic eruptions in 1963. The island has been preserved as a living laboratory since 1964, allowing scientists the chance to study how new land masses are colonized by species without the interference of man. In 2004, the island's population had grown to 60 species of vascular plant, 24 species of fungi and 89 bird species, only 57 of which breed elsewhere in Iceland. Higher resolution images available from rth@arctic-images.com (there is a licensing fee depending on the use).