By now most of us know that no matter how curious people get, there are places that we will never be allowed to step foot in. We previously wrote about one such place, a mysterious island in the middle of NYC, but nothing can compete with this unique island in Iceland. Surtsey is a piece of land that formed in 1963, after a huge volcanic eruption that has lasted for 3 years. Now, the land is used for scientific research and observations. The focus of the work is to better understand how an ecosystem forms from scratch, without any human impact. There are only a couple of scientists that are allowed on the island’s premises, making it one of a few forbidden places on earth.

One of the main stories that surround this island revolves around a tomato. Yes, you heard right, a tomato. Since the territory is carefully surveilled, only a small house that fits a couple of scientists is allowed on the island premises. Before entering the island every person needs to be searched thoroughly because one of the main rules is not to bring any seeds with you. Well, someone did not pay close enough attention to this rule and pooped on some lava. After that, a tomato plant sprouted up on the island leaving the scientists truly mystified. After they realized the origin of the plant it was immediately destroyed, as it would disturb their scientific research.
Scroll down to learn more about this island and make sure you watch our video that shares stories about other forbidden places on earth!

Surtsey is a truly unique piece of land in Iceland that was formed in 1963

Image credits: Ron Cogswell

It emerged after a huge volcanic eruption that has lasted for 3 years

Image credits: National Centers for Environmental Information

Image credits: The Surtsey Research Society

What makes this island so intriguing is not only its formation but the fact that nobody is permitted to enter

Image credits: Brian Gratwicke

The main purpose of Surtsey is to better understand how an ecosystem forms itself from scratch, without any human impact

Image credits: Shutterstock 

There are only a couple of scientists that are allowed on the island’s premises, making it one of a few forbidden places on earth

Image credits: The Surtsey Research Society

Before entering this island, every scientist is carefully checked so they won’t carry any foreign seeds in on themselves

One story that received a lot of attention was when a tomato starting growing on the island’s premises, leaving scientists stumped

Image credits: Milan Karakas

Turns out somebody disobeyed the island’s laws and pooped on some lava

Image credits: The Surtsey Research Society

The tomato had to be immediately removed so it wouldn’t disturb the scientific research

Image credits: The Surtsey Research Society

One of the first native plants to grow  on the island without outside interference was moss

Image credits: The Surtsey Research Society

Fulmar and guillemot were the first species to inhabit the island

Image credits: The Surtsey Research Society

Check out this video to learn more about other forbidden places on earth!

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