Iceland combines broad ice caps, sparsely vegetated interior terrain, and a deeply indented coastline in the northwest and east. In a regional overview, Vatnajökull is a large bright feature in the southeast. Snow cover elsewhere changes with the season, so distinguish a persistent ice cap from temporary snow.
Ice caps and an irregular coast
Compare the Westfjords with the south coast. The contrast between branching inlets and the more continuous southern shoreline is visible at a wide scale.
Similar landscapes across borders
Dark volcanic ground and ice can occur together in other high-latitude regions. A close crop of snow or lava does not identify an island. Check the wider coast and the relationship between ice and surrounding relief.