Is a thermal anomaly developing in Kuril’s volcanic archipelago?

February 23, 2011 – KURIL ARCHIPELAGO – Just east of Russia and north of Japan lies a long series of island volcanoes called the Kuril chain. Over 50 volcanoes form this archipelago, which stretches for well over 1300 km (800 miles) in the western Pacific ocean. At the southern end is the bizarrely-shaped rectangle of Ostrov Shikotan, and in the winter icy waters swirl and flow around the snow-covered terrain. Breathtaking, isn’t it? There are two extinct volcanoes on the island (it’s still seismically active though) and, amazingly, two settlements as well. Of course, this picture, taken in February from NASA’s Earth Observing-1 satellite, paints a very white and chilly picture. Satellite imagery in warmer times shows it to be much greener. -Discovery

Is a underwater thermal anomaly on the north side of the island, keeping icy waters at bay?