Satellite Images May Help Scientists Predict Underwater Volcano Eruption, New Study Suggests

A recent research proposes using data from satellite pictures of sea discoloration as a new criterion for forecasting if an undersea volcano would erupt.

According to Sakuno, volcanoes emit compounds that can affect the hue of the surrounding water depending on their activity. For example, increased aluminum or silicon can stain the water with white splotches, while a larger amount of iron might create a yellow or brown tint.

One issue, though, is that sunshine may alter the hue of the sea. The study looked at how previous chromatically analyzed hot spring water studies addressed this obstacle and resolved brightness concerns. Then, using the XYZ colorimetric method, a relationship between seawater color and chemical content was created.

Data Analysis

Sakuno looked at pictures of Nishinoshima Island taken by the GCOM-C SGLI and Himawari-8 satellites in Japan last year. Himawari-8 was used to monitor volcanic activity, while GCOM-C SGLI was utilized to provide data on water color. The short observation cycle of GCOM-C SGLI (it captures photos of the ocean every 2-3 days) and excellent spatial resolution of 250 m make it an ideal candidate for monitoring.

Sakuno analyzed satellite data from January to December 2020 with the new indication and detected symptoms of impending volcanic disturbance on Nishinoshima Island about a month before it began.

"In the future, in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Maritime Security Agency, which monitors undersea volcanoes, and related research, I would like to develop a system that can anticipate volcanic eruptions with greater precision," he added.

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