Could Trees Be Our Nature’s Early Warning System for Volcanic Eruptions?

Predicting volcanic eruptions is more than just fascinating science; it can save lives. Recent research reveals that changes in tree leaf colors can signal when a volcano is nearing an eruption.

When a volcano becomes active, it pushes magma closer to the surface, releasing carbon dioxide. This surge in CO2 can actually make nearby trees healthier, resulting in greener leaves.

This greening effect can be tracked by satellites using a measurement called the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). This technology allows scientists to monitor volcanic activity without being on-site, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Experts like volcanologist Nicole Guinn from the University of Houston emphasize the potential of satellite data. In her study on Mount Etna, she found clear links between rising CO2 levels and leaf greenness. Over two years, her team spotted 16 significant spikes in CO2 that coincided with underground magma movement. This research is part of a broader effort to create more effective early warning systems for volcanoes.

Moreover, this approach can expand our understanding of plant responses to CO2. A study from 2019 by Robert Bogue at McGill University showed similar effects near active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Now, Guinn and Bogue, along with NASA and the Smithsonian Institution, are studying how plant life around volcanoes in Panama and Costa Rica responds to these environmental changes.

Their project is part of the Airborne Validation Unified Experiment: Land to Ocean (AVUELO), aimed at enhancing our ability to gauge planetary health from space. Current satellite methods, like NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2, focus on major eruptions, but new studies are challenging that norm.

Bogue explains the difficulty in detecting modest amounts of CO2 that might indicate impending eruptions. The goal is to find measurable proxies instead of relying solely on direct CO2 measurements. The greening of leaves could serve as one such early warning signal, even if it’s not applicable in every situation.

Besides pinpointing eruptions, AVUELO researchers are also exploring how increased CO2 affects trees more broadly, especially given the warming climate. As our planet heats up, trees may become key players in regulating greenhouse gases.

Climate scientist Josh Fisher from Chapman University highlights the significance of this research. He suggests it’s not just about volcanic CO2 but also about understanding how trees cope with high levels of carbon dioxide overall.

The findings on Mount Etna were published in the journal Remote Sensing of Environment. This research is a step forward in using natural signals to better protect communities near volcanoes.

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