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The United States experienced a series of earthquakes in the past 24 hours, with tremors reported across several states, including Alaska, California, and Puerto Rico. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 21 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or greater were recorded in North America and the Caribbean during that period. These seismic events, while common in certain regions, underscore the ongoing geological activity within the country.

The USGS provides real-time earthquake information through its Latest Earthquakes map, offering detailed reports on the location, time, and magnitude of recent tremors. This data is crucial for understanding seismic patterns and assessing potential risks. The strongest earthquake in the last 24 hours occurred 188 kilometers (approximately 117 miles) south of Nikolski, Alaska, registering a magnitude of 4.3, as reported by the USGS.

Recent Seismic Activity by State

While many of these earthquakes are minor and go unnoticed by the general population, certain areas are more prone to seismic activity. California, due to the presence of the San Andreas Fault, experiences frequent tremors. The San Andreas Fault, a major geological boundary where the Pacific and North American tectonic plates interact, has been the source of significant earthquakes throughout history, impacting cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Further north, Alaska also experiences consistent earthquake activity. The collision of the Pacific and North American plates in this region generates frequent seismic events, though the low population density often means these tremors go largely unreported. Earthquakes also occur, though less frequently, in the Rocky Mountains and other mountainous regions across the central U.S.

Here’s a look at some of the recent earthquakes recorded by the USGS:

• February 14, 2026: 6.4 magnitude earthquake, 53 km WNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu (Pager Alert Level: Green)
• February 12, 2026: 6.2 magnitude earthquake, 32 km SW of Ovalle, Chile (Pager Alert Level: Green)
• February 10, 2026: 4.6 magnitude earthquake, 8 km NNW of Meadow Lakes, Alaska (Pager Alert Level: Green)
• February 2, 2026: 4.2 magnitude earthquake, 4 km SE of San Ramon, CA (Pager Alert Level: Green)
• February 2, 2026: 3.8 magnitude earthquake, 4 km SSE of San Ramon, CA (Pager Alert Level: Gray)
• January 29, 2026: 4.2 magnitude earthquake, 10 km NE of Black Eagle, Montana (Pager Alert Level: Green)
• January 26, 2026: 5.5 magnitude earthquake, 9 km ESE of Dianga, China (Pager Alert Level: Yellow)
• January 22, 2026: 4.7 magnitude earthquake, 40 km S of Evanston, Wyoming (Pager Alert Level: Green)
• January 21, 2026: 4.3 magnitude earthquake, 20 km NNE of Indio, CA (Pager Alert Level: Green)
• January 20, 2026: 3.8 magnitude earthquake, 4 km NW of Ohlman, Illinois (Pager Alert Level: Gray)
• January 20, 2026: 4.9 magnitude earthquake, 20 km NNE of Indio, CA (Pager Alert Level: Green)

Understanding Earthquake Risks and Resources

The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program is dedicated to monitoring and researching earthquakes, assessing their impacts, and providing resources to the public. Individuals can access detailed information about past and present earthquakes, including interactive maps and data catalogs, through the USGS website. The “Did You Feel It?” program allows citizens to report their experiences during an earthquake, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of seismic events.

The USGS also offers real-time notifications and web services for those seeking immediate updates on earthquake activity. These resources are invaluable for communities in earthquake-prone areas, enabling preparedness and informed decision-making. You can also search the Earthquake Catalog for historical seismicity data.

Looking ahead, continued monitoring and research by the USGS will be vital in refining earthquake hazard assessments and improving public safety. The agency’s ongoing efforts to understand the complex dynamics of earthquake activity will help communities better prepare for and respond to these natural events. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

President Donald Trump announced he had reached an agreement regarding Greenland on Tuesday, simultaneously backing away from a recent threat to impose tariffs on Danish goods. The shift came after discussions with NATO allies, according to statements released by the White House.

Trump’s initial interest in acquiring Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, surfaced during his first term in office. The proposal, which reportedly involved a potential purchase, was met with swift rejection from the Danish government. At the time, the idea was widely criticized as unrealistic and insensitive, prompting questions about the United States’ relationship with its allies.

The recent tariff threat, seemingly linked to Denmark’s unwillingness to entertain the sale of Greenland, had raised concerns about escalating trade tensions and potential disruptions to transatlantic relations. According to WTTW Chicago, Trump indicated that NATO had agreed to a “framework” for a future Arctic deal, paving the way for him to drop the tariffs. The specifics of this framework remain undisclosed.

The renewed focus on Greenland highlights the strategic importance of the Arctic region, particularly as climate change opens up new shipping routes and access to natural resources. Experts have noted that a stronger U.S. Presence in the Arctic could be motivated by a desire to counter growing influence from Russia and China in the region.

However, the pursuit of Greenland has similarly sparked debate about the potential implications for NATO. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs questioned whether a unilateral move by the U.S. To seize or acquire territory in Greenland could undermine the alliance’s cohesion and credibility. Such an action, they argued, could be interpreted as a disregard for international law and the principles of collective security.

Former Department of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, speaking to ABC7 Chicago, emphasized the significant financial implications of any attempt to acquire Greenland. He suggested that the cost would be substantial, extending beyond a simple purchase price to include infrastructure development and ongoing maintenance.

Senator Dick Durbin, speaking to the Chicago Sun-Times, warned that Trump’s actions regarding Greenland and his criticisms of NATO would have lasting negative consequences for U.S. Foreign policy. He suggested that the damage to relationships with key allies could “haunt” the United States for years to come.

As of Tuesday, the details of the NATO “framework” remain unclear, and the Danish government has not issued a comprehensive response to Trump’s announcement. The future of U.S. Policy toward Greenland, and the broader implications for the Arctic region, remain uncertain.