Vascular plant colonisation, distribution and vegetation development on Surtsey during 1965–2015

Between 1965 and 2015, Surtsey witnessed significant vascular plant colonization, with 74 species identified. Initial rapid colonization (1965–1979) stagnated until the establishment of a dense seagull colony in 1986, which drastically accelerated plant growth, peaking between 1992 and 1995. Six vegetation types emerged, ranging from sparse pioneer communities to lush, nutrient-rich grasslands influenced by seabird activity. Species richness increased from an average of 4.8 to 10.4 per hectare over the study period. Pioneering species like Honckenya peploides, Poa annua, and Silene uniflora led colonization, thriving on sandy lava and barren surfaces. Despite seabird impacts, most of Surtsey remains sparsely vegetated, offering insights into ecological succession in extreme environments.

Magnússon, S. H., Wasowicz, P., & Magnússon, B. (2022). Vascular plant colonisation, distribution and vegetation development on Surtsey during 1965–2015. Surtsey Research, 15. https://doi.org/10.33112/surtsey.15.2