**Satellite Technology Innovates Volcanic Eruption Predictions**

Scientists have made groundbreaking progress in predicting volcanic eruptions by monitoring the greenness of trees surrounding the volcanoes. Traditionally, subtle changes in leaf color indicating potential eruptions could only be observed from the ground. Recently, however, researchers developed a new technique to monitor these changes from space.

Under a collaboration between NASA and the Smithsonian Institution, this innovative approach could significantly enhance early warning systems for volcanic eruptions. In a statement released by NASA, volcanologists highlighted that this new method could play a crucial role in safeguarding communities from the devastating effects of volcanic activity, such as lava flows, ashfalls, and toxic gas clouds.

Florian Schwandner of NASA’s Ames Research Center in California emphasized the potential improvements to current early warning systems. He mentioned that, while existing indicators like seismic activity and ground deformation are useful, the ability to detect early emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) could offer even earlier warnings.

Although sulfur dioxide emissions can be monitored from space, CO2 is more challenging to detect because of its prevalence in the atmosphere. Yet, CO2 is a vital early sign of an impending eruption, preceding sulfur dioxide emissions. Detecting CO2 emissions indirectly through the greenness of trees around a volcano could offer a new avenue for early detection. The health of trees improves with increased CO2, causing their leaves to become greener and lusher.

This indirect method could save scientists from the hazards of physically accessing remote and dangerous volcanic areas. A study published in the journal Remote Sensing of Environment in 2024 demonstrated a strong correlation between CO2 levels and tree greenness around Mount Etna in Italy. Using data from satellites like Landsat 8, researchers showed that increases in CO2 corresponded with greener vegetation, coinciding with magma movements.

According to study lead author Nicole Guinn of the University of Houston, there are numerous satellites capable of performing this type of analysis. However, there are limitations. Not all volcanoes have enough surrounding trees to measure, and some forests might respond unpredictably to changing CO2 levels due to factors like fires or diseases.

Schwandner acknowledged these limitations, stating that while this method is not a perfect solution, it represents a significant advancement in volcanic monitoring. To further refine this technique, researchers have initiated the Airborne Validation Unified Experiment: Land to Ocean (AVUELO). This project aims to compare satellite data with ground observations to ensure accuracy and enable future advancements in the field.