MODIS true color image of Iceland on the 15th of May 2003.
Almost completely surrounded by a thick blanket of clouds, Iceland is shown here in this true-color Terra MODIS image acquired on May 15, 2003. Iceland sits in the northern Atlantic Ocean, about 200 kilometers southeast of Greenland. Because of its proximity to the North Atlantic Drift current, Iceland experiences a relatively humid, mild climate, though in the northern and eastern parts of the island the climate is more tundra-like. The island is home to vast icefields, the largest of which by far is the Vatnajokull on the southeastern edge. To its left are the Hofsjokull and the Langjokull, and on the southernmost edge is the Myrdalsjokull. In addition to these icefields, Iceland is home to over 200 volcanoes, many of which are still active. Hot springs are also abundant, and provide a cheap heat source. For more information on Iceland, please visit Encyclopedia.com.
Image and text courtesy of NASA's MODIS Land Rapid Response Team.