New investigations indicate that trees situated near volcanoes may assist scientists in recognizing early indicators of eruptions. By observing subtle shifts in leaf coloration, researchers can now reportedly monitor volcanic activity from space, providing a novel tool for natural volcano alerts.
As magma ascends underground, it emits carbon dioxide. This gas enhances plant growth, particularly in regions with abundant vegetation. Trees subjected to higher levels of carbon dioxide exhibit healthier and more vibrant growth. Satellites can detect these alterations utilizing a tool known as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, or NDVI, which assesses plant vitality from orbit.
A study conducted at Mount Etna in Italy revealed that lusher vegetation often coincided with heightened underground activity. Throughout two years, researchers documented 16 instances where rises in carbon dioxide corresponded with distinct variations in NDVI measurements. These changes sometimes occurred far from apparent faults, implying that the signals propagate over a broader area than previously anticipated.
This technique could prove especially advantageous for observing volcanoes in inaccessible regions. Conventional sensors can be costly and challenging to maintain in rugged terrains. Monitoring plant variations through satellite data provides a cost-effective and natural alternative to standard volcano warning systems.
This methodology builds upon earlier discoveries from Costa Rica, where trees similarly responded to volcanic carbon dioxide emissions. Currently, researchers backed by NASA and the Smithsonian are trialing comparable approaches in Panama and other regions of Central America. The goal is to establish a wider system for detecting natural volcano warnings without solely depending on ground instruments.
The research may also aid scientists in comprehending how forests react to long-term rises in atmospheric carbon dioxide. This information could prove valuable in examining climate change and its impacts on global vegetation. In the meantime, examining historical volcanic eruptions, such as the Tongo volcano eruption of 2022, can enhance our understanding of these significant occurrences.
