Satellite Tree Monitoring for Volcano Prediction

Prelims – General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change.

Mains – General Studies-III (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment).

Why in news?

NASA scientists have recently stated that they can detect early signs of volcanic eruptions by observing the changing colors of leaves from trees.

Underground Activity – When a volcano is preparing to erupt, rising magma releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gases.
Tree Response – Trees near the volcano absorb this extra CO₂ through their roots, which acts like fertilizer.
Visual Change – The extra CO₂ makes the trees healthier and greener, which can be visible from space satellites.
Early Detection – Scientists can spot these color changes in satellite images before traditional warning signs appear.
Satellite Eyes – NASA scientists are using satellites to look at the color of tree leaves around volcanoes. If they see the trees getting greener, it's a red flag.
Healthier and greener trees – Trees absorb CO₂ through their roots. More CO₂ from the volcano means more "food" for the trees, making them grow healthier and greener.
Partnership – NASA scientists have partnered with AVUELO (Airborne Validation Unified Experiment: Land to Ocean), to detect early signs of volcanic eruptions by observing the changing colors of leaves from trees.

India has active volcanoes like Barren Island in Andaman & Nicobar and this technology could enhance India's disaster management capabilities.

Significance of the discovery

Early Warning – This method could provide an earlier warning for volcanic eruptions than traditional methods (like seismic activity or ground deformation) for certain types of volcanoes.
Remote Areas – Many volcanoes are in very remote places, making it hard for scientists to constantly monitor them on the ground. Satellites can cover huge, hard-to-reach areas.
Filling a Gap – While sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from volcanoes is easier to track, CO₂ has been tricky because it mixes with other gases. This tree-based method offers a new way to detect volcanic CO₂'s impact.
Saving Lives – The example from the Philippines shows how an early warning based on tree changes can lead to timely evacuations and prevent casualties.

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