Volcanic Eruptions Can Be Predicted With Trees, Plants Due to Volcanic Gas Sensitivity

Volcanic eruptions have long plagued scientists, particularly since these geo-seismic phenomena can cause 'again' a potentially catastrophic disaster in regional or global proportions. These impacts have been recorded by historians in the past.

It can be recalled deadly volcanic events occurred in previous centuries, such as when Mount Vesuvius erupted and wiped out the ancient city of Pompei in 79 AD. A much more modern volcano outburst incident happened during the 1883 Krakatoa eruption, which killed approximately 36,000 to 120,000 people.

Prehistoric volcanic eruptions, like what happened during the Permian mass extinction hundreds of million years ago are a testament that volcanoes are a force to be reckoned with. However, their eruption is relatively harder to predict, unlike weather events.

As volcano research continues in contemporary times to further understand these lava-filled vents, a November 2023 study revealed that there are living organisms that may help volcanic eruption prediction: trees and plants.

Volcanic Eruption Prediction

The study, published in the journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, and Geosystems, researchers found that trees and plants could help in volcanic eruption prediction due to their volcanic gas sensitivity. This biological trait can allow volcanologists to determine when an eruption will occur, in addition to also relying on available data from volcanic activity and emissions which include ash and lava.

Just like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions (which are both fueled by seismic waves) are harder to predict compared with other natural phenomena, including weather events, as mentioned earlier.

Unlike storms, which are influenced by measurable weather elements and climatic conditions, seismic activities do not offer precise, long-term information data that can help in the accurate prediction of volcanic eruptions. This means that both volcanic and seismic activities pose a challenge for volcanologists, preventing them to make accurate forecast of the exact date and time of the next volcanic eruption.

Plant Responses

The November 2023 study was able to discover plant responses to volcanic gases through space. The process of releasing these gases, which the researchers call "volcanic volatile emissions," is causing a phenomenon known as volcanic degassing. This affects plants by increasing local concentrations of carbon dioxide and water, which can also lead to increased photosynthesis.

Since this degassing event is not visible to our naked eye, the research team sought the help of satellites, which can reportedly detect plant health or reaction to photosynthesis. This is measured under the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index.

Previous research shows that volcanic eruptions can decrease photosynthesis since emitted gases, smoke, and ash can block sunlight, the primary requirement for the plant's food-making process. However, NASA-funded research shows that large volcanic eruptions can help plants absorb more carbon from the atmosphere, allowing plants to photosynthesize more.

Regardless, the recent study sheds light on the possibility that volcanic eruptions could one day be accurately predicted, with the help of trees and plants at least. For now, volcanologists and seismologists will have to rely on pre-eruption volcanic activities. After all, most volcanoes show warnings before an eruption, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).