Map of recent earthquakes from late December into early January 2020 near Puerto Rico. Credit: USGS.

Recent Earthquakes near Puerto Rico, January 2020

Erik Klemetti

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Rocky Planet

Multiple large earthquakes have hit Puerto Rico over the past week, all thanks to the geologically-active Caribbean Plate.

Why is Puerto Rico Being Struck by Earthquakes?

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Chaitén Volcano in southern Chile erupted on May 2, 2008 for the first time in 9,000 years. NASA satellites that monitor changes in vegetation near volcanoes could aid in earlier eruption warnings. (Image Courtesy of Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

NASA satellites that monitor changes in vegetation near volcanoes

Learn how the changing color of tree leaves is being used as an early warning sign for volcanic activity.

Trees Can Warn Us of Volcanic Eruptions From Space

(Image Credit: sirtravelalot/Shutterstock) 

Erupting volcano

Learn how ash from volcanic eruptions can alter ice content in clouds, influencing how Earth handles radiation. 

Ash-Rich Volcanic Eruptions Change Icy Clouds, Regulating Radiation on Earth

Eruption Of Etna Volcano February 2017 In Sicily. (Image Credit: Wead/Shutterstock) 

Etna Volcano

Learn more about fascinating lava fountains and how high they can reach during a volcano eruption.

What Are Lava Fountains and Are They a Third Type of Volcanic Eruption?

The Fagradalsfjall volcano was active from March to September 2021. NTNU professor Fjóla Guðrun Sigtryggsdóttir is shown studying the lava that had begun to flow over a defensive barrier near one of the embankment dams in a unique field experiment that began in May. (Image Credit: Hörn Hrafnsdottir)

Fjola sigtryggsdottir lava flow

Learn more about the new methods Iceland is using to keep lava from destroying towns. 

Iceland Uses Dirt to Keep Towns Safe From Volcanic Lava

Volcano not associated with this story. (Image Credit: BEST-BACKGROUNDS/Shutterstock)

Volcano eruption from space satellite

Understanding how waves produced by volcanic eruption can enter the atmosphere has implications for both satellite safety and weather forecasting.

Massive Eruption From Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai Volcano Also Impacted Satellites