Laser ablation of iron is investigated experimentally and theoretically The experiments are performed by Ti:sapphire laser at pulse duration tau(p)= 0.1 ps. The ablation rate and the surface structures are determined. Different regimes of the process at low and high laser fluences are observed. At fluences above several joules per square centimeter, the ablation is accompanied by the formation of significant amount of molten material. Molecular dynamics simulation technique is used to describe the process. Different mechanisms of material ejection are observed. The role of the electron heat diffusion in the process of dissipation of the energy is also estimated. Good coincidence is obtained between the model and experimental results. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.