Scientists Confirm Trees Detect Volcanic Eruptions Across Multiple Regions

Recent scientific studies reveal that the greenness of trees can serve as a natural indicator of impending volcanic eruptions due to increased carbon dioxide emissions from magma movement. Research conducted by NASA, the Smithsonian Institution, and other collaborators found that elevated CO2 levels released by volcanoes enrich the surrounding vegetation, causing leaves to become greener, which can be detected via satellite imagery. This method offers a valuable tool for predicting volcanic activity, especially in remote areas where direct monitoring is challenging. The findings were notably observed around Mount Etna in Italy, where spikes in CO2 and vegetation greenness coincided with magma migration. Additionally, similar studies in Costa Rica and Panama are exploring how leaf pigmentation changes can serve as proxies for volcanic emissions, potentially improving eruption forecasting and public safety. This natural detection approach complements traditional seismic and ground deformation monitoring techniques, enhancing early warning systems for volcanic hazards.