The volcanic island Ostrov Shikotan is one of a long chain of such that lie north of the Japanese islands. There are two extinct volcanoes on the island, and two human settlements as well. This picture, taken in February 2011 by EO-1 satellite, shows ice in the frigid water of the northwest Pacific swirling around the snow-covered island. From a distance, and from a height, the patterns are lovely and graceful, but I imagine anyone living there has a slightly chillier opinion of them.