#5: Surtsey Island

Born from volcanic eruptions between 1963 and 1967, Surtsey Island is one of Earth’s youngest lands. Located off the southern coast of Iceland, this island emerged from the ocean, providing scientists with a rare opportunity to study ecological succession in a pristine environment.

Access to Surtsey is restricted to researchers, ensuring it remains untouched by human interference. The island serves as a living laboratory, offering invaluable insights into how life colonizes new land, the interactions between species, and the processes of ecosystem development.