WASHINGTON, April 10 (UPI) -- Scientists using NASA satellite data have found strong evidence a major earthquake can cause a nearly immediate increase in regional volcanic activity.
The intensity of two ongoing volcanic eruptions on Indonesia's Java Island increased sharply three days following a powerful, 6.4-magnitude earthquake on the island in May 2006. National Aeronautics and Space Administration scientists determined the increased volcanic activity persisted for about nine days.
"During this period, we found clear evidence that the earthquake caused both volcanoes to release greater amounts of heat and lava emission surged to two to three times higher than prior to the tremor," said study lead author Andrew Harris of the University of Hawaii-Honolulu.
While scientists have long debated whether earthquakes can trigger volcanic eruptions, the study was the first to link an earthquake to enhanced volcanic activity with satellite-based sensors.
The research was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
