Predicting volcanic eruptions never easy. For centuries, volcanologists and seismologists have the activity beneath Earth that might an eruption. Forecasting when a volcano might has been somewhat unreliable. However, scientists from NASA and the Smithsonian Institution they are a step closer to more accurate forecasts of when a volcano might . NASA used images from space to changes in the colour of leaves. The research was based on a 2019 study from McGill University. This study that an increase in carbon dioxide levels by two active volcanoes in Costa Rica had an impact on the colour of leaves in the surrounding areas.
Current methods of an imminent volcanic explosion include seismic activity, changes in ground height, and carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide emissions. NASA said the new method of changes in the colour of foliage from space could in foretelling eruptions. The science behind this is fairly straightforward. As magma upwards through Earth's crust, it carbon dioxide. Trees this and their leaves greener and more vibrant. The LiveScience website said: "These signs can help to communities against the worst effects of volcanic blasts, lava flows, ejected rocks, ashfalls, mudslides, and toxic gas clouds."