Section C: Non-Narrative Text

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A cloud of steam and ash burst from the North Atlantic Ocean in November 1963, and for the next three-and-a-half years, a series of eruptions produced a new island about 30 kilometres from Iceland’s southern coast. The new speck of land, easy to miss on a map, was named Surtsey.

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Early on, scientists recognised that Surtsey offered a unique opportunity to observe the infancy of a new volcanic island. What would be the first life to arrive, and how? How would the rock change as the ocean beat against its shores? This tiny volcanic island is a perfect natural laboratory.

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To protect it, Iceland’s government declared the island strictly off-limits to anyone but a few researchers who are granted permission to study its evolution. Surtsey has changed since its birth and is nowadays green and supports wildlife, but it remains unspoilt, which is why other layers of official protection have been added. In 2008, the island was made a World Heritage Site by the United Nations, which makes these restrictions even tighter. Today, it is one of the few places on Earth relatively untouched by humans.

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A recent drilling expedition to collect rock samples perfectly illustrates the lengths to which scientists must go to protect the island. Marie Jackson, one of the expedition’s leaders, explained that to prevent damage to the surrounding land, all the drilling equipment was brought to the island by helicopter – more than 90 helicopter journeys were needed. The researchers were careful to avoid fuel spills, and had to level the drilling site by hand. All meals were prepared in advance so they were ready to eat without creating waste. They also included an extra two weeks’ supply, in case of delays due to bad weather. Their research station, a small hut, was powered by solar panels, which created little impact on the environment.

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All expedition members were trained not to accidentally bring new plants or animals to Surtsey. For example, they were asked to check all clothing and equipment to ensure that no seeds or insects had hitched a lift. They also stuck to existing paths and couldn’t explore anywhere else. ‘Once we’d collected our rock samples,’ says Jackson, we took away absolutely everything we’d brought in.’ To reduce possible pollution, they were not allowed to do their analyses on the island.

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All runners recognise that transition when the initial feeling of being swept along by a collective wave of energy gives way to the moment of disengagement when you realise that you have your own race to run.

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‘Like all expeditions, we had to stick to our given time limit on the island,’ Jackson added. Their trip also had to be planned not to disturb the animals that have taken up residence there. Jackson’s expedition arrived in July, immediately after the nesting season, and they had to be off the island by September when seals and their young come to Surtsey for the winter season.

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All that careful planning has been worth it – Surtsey remains unspoilt, and still allows scientists to learn about how life establishes itself on a new island. And for the foreseeable future, the only way to visit will be as part of a research team – one that treads very, very lightly.