The island of Surtsey emerged from the depths off the coast of Iceland back in 1963 following a volcanic eruption that lasted no less than three years. Anyone other than a couple of scientists at a time is forbidden from landing on the island, and this is because scientists want to study it in order to see how a brand-new ecosystem evolves without human interference. Discover one of the world's newest islands below:
1. Surtsey was formed off the coast of Iceland in 1963.
2. It emerged from the depths after a three-year-long volcanic eruption.
3. No-one is permitted to land on the island so that it remains untouched.
4. Surtsey is used by scientists to understand how an ecosystem forms from scratch.
5. Just a couple of scientists are allowed on the island.
6. Even the scientists are carefully checked to ensure they don't accidentally bring foreign seeds onto the island.
7. A tomato was once spotted growing on Surtsey. It turns out that someone took a "number two" outdoors...
8. The tomato was immediately removed so it wouldn't disturb scientific research.
9. One of the first native plants to appear on the island was moss.
10. Fulmar and guillemot bird species were the first to inhabit the island.
BONUS - Discover some more places that are off-limits:
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