Nature’s Early Alarm: How trees can quietly predict explosive volcanic eruptions, NASA reveals

NASA reveals how trees quietly predict volcanic eruptions in advance. (Image: AI)

It appears that trees may be nature's silent messengers. Researchers are finally paying closer attention — not with the rustling of leaves but with images from space.

Trees May Warn of Magma On The Rise

NASA and international scientists are monitoring volcanoes with plants. A new project indicates that trees could shift prior to eruptions. When magma is moving upward underground, it releases carbon dioxide. That CO₂ vents into surrounding soil and water systems. Trees that are nearby can take up that gas via their roots. In turn, their leaves tend to become greener and healthier.

Plant response is visible from space. NASA satellites such as Landsat 8 monitor changes in plant health. One of the main ways is NDVI, which monitors vegetation. Sudden greening might indicate increased volcanic activity. The AVUELO mission assisted in correlating these indications with actual volcanic emissions. It utilised satellites and sensors flown over volcanic regions.

Costa Rica Case Shows Visible Change

This technique succeeded at Costa Rica's Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Researchers observed bubbling pools and healthier trees in the surrounding area. Both ground and satellite observations were made. These findings validate the hypothesis that trees can feel early volcanic changes.

That is according to Dr Florian Schwandner of NASA Ames. This doesn't supersede existing techniques. It is supplementing existing techniques. It introduces additional equipment to identify eruptions earlier. Conventional equipment is based on seismic movement and surface deformation. However, in dense forests and remote volcanoes, sensor placement is challenging. Trees are useful as quiet markers in areas like these.

Satellites Help, but Ground Truth is Key

To verify the accuracy, researchers also take samples on foot. Researchers sample leaf tissue and analyse CO₂ levels in the vicinity. This verifies whether satellite measurements correlate with actual conditions. Volcanologist Dr Nicole Guinn says double-checking is crucial. She analyses changes at Mount Etna with numerous satellites. These are NASA's Terra and ESA's Sentinel-2. But she maintains satellite photographs cannot be relied on by themselves.

McGill University's Dr Robert Bogue endorses this tree-based system. He explains CO₂ leaks prior to eruptions are too minute to observe directly. Trees, however, provide those leaks with an easier trace from the top.

With more and more people dwelling in close proximity to volcanoes, early warnings are crucial. This natural method could provide warnings ahead of time compared to before. It also accomplishes it without disrupting the environment. Observing the behaviour of trees, scientists are hoping to remain one step ahead of the volcanoes.