Surtsey is a small island off the southern coast of Iceland. Surtsey was formed by submarine volcanic action and emerged above sea level in 1963. Two years later, the lava flow ceased and the island, about 2.5 sq km (1 sq mile) in area and 171m (560 ft) above sea level, was designated a nature reserve. The island is named after Surtur, the god of fire in Scandinavian mythology.