Scientists find that changes in tree leaf colors can warn of volcanic eruptions. Volcanoes release more carbon dioxide as magma rises, boosting tree health and greening leaves. Satellites detect this change using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), providing a new eruption warning method.
This satellite-based method requires no ground sensors or local fieldwork. It works well in remote, hard-to-access volcano areas where traditional monitoring is challenging. Nicole Guinn, a volcanologist at the University of Houston, led a recent study on this topic around Mount Etna.
MOUNT ETNA STUDY LINKS CARBON DIOXIDE TO GREENER TREES
Guinn’s team compared local carbon dioxide levels with satellite NDVI images over two years.
They found 16 spikes in carbon dioxide matching greener leaf signals and magma movements underground.
These changes appeared even away from known fault lines, strengthening the findings’ significance.
PRIOR RESEARCH CONFIRMS CARBON DIOXIDE’S IMPACT ON LEAF COLOR
The 2019 research by volcanologist Robert Bogue showed volcanic carbon dioxide affects leaf color in Costa Rica’s tropical trees. Now Guinn, Bogue, and colleagues collaborate on NASA and Smithsonian projects studying volcano-adjacent vegetation in Central America.
AVUELO MISSION EXPLORES PLANET HEALTH THROUGH SATELLITE DATA
Their work is part of the Airborne Validation Unified Experiment: Land to Ocean (AVUELO) mission. This mission aims to improve how satellites measure Earth’s health, beyond detecting only large volcanic eruptions.
Robert Bogue notes that small carbon dioxide emissions before eruptions often escape direct satellite detection.
LEAF GREENING ACTS AS AN INDIRECT MEASURE OF VOLCANO EMISSIONS
Scientists seek proxies like leaf color to spot volcanic gas increases before eruptions.
This complements other signals such as seismic activity and ground deformation.
Though not perfect for all volcanoes, this method adds a valuable new tool for eruption prediction.
UNDERSTANDING BROADER CARBON DIOXIDE EFFECTS ON TREES
AVUELO researchers also study how volcanic carbon dioxide impacts tree growth and carbon uptake. Josh Fisher, a climate scientist on the team, highlights how this research offers insights into future Earth climates.
As human-driven carbon dioxide rises, trees’ ability to absorb greenhouse gases becomes increasingly vital.
