Puerto Rico Seismic Network
| Red Sísmica de Puerto Rico | |
| Abbreviation | RSPR |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1974 |
| Founder | Dr. José Molinelli Freytes |
| Headquarters | Mayagüez, Puerto Rico |
| Website | redsismica |
The Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN) (Spanish: Red Sísmica de Puerto Rico, or RSPR) is the primary seismological agency of Puerto Rico. Based at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, it was founded by request of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) in 1974 by Dr. José Molinelli Freytes, with the goal of creating a permanent system to detect and study earthquakes affecting Puerto Rico and the surrounding Caribbean region.[1] Its mission is to monitor, research and educate about seismic hazards, providing scientific information that helps protect lives and property from earthquakes, tsunamis and related natural hazards. The PRSN operates a network of seismic stations across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, issues real-time earthquake and tsunami alerts, collaborates with the USGS, FEMA and NOAA, conducts outreach and education programs for schools and communities, and supports government emergency response planning.[2]
The PRSN still maintains a close partnership with the USGS, sharing seismic data and collaborating as part of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. Through this collaboration, earthquakes in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are rapidly detected and incorporated into the USGS’s national monitoring system, ensuring accurate reporting and timely public information.[3] The USGS, in turn, provides funding, technical support, and research collaboration, which enhances PRSN’s ability to map seismic hazards, improve preparedness, and strengthen earthquake resilience across the region.[2][4]
The PRSN also serves as the regional hub to the Caribbean Tsunami Warning Program, acting as a point of contact for both NOAA and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. In this role, it monitors sea-level changes and seismic events across the wider Caribbean, evaluates tsunami threats, and disseminates alerts to regional governments. The network coordinates preparedness efforts, provides training and education to emergency managers, and strengthens international cooperation to ensure timely and effective responses to tsunami hazards throughout the Caribbean basin.[2][5]
References
- ^ R. L. Dart, A. C. Torr, D. L. Carver, and M. K. Wharton (July 1, 1975 – December 31, 1977). "Puerto Rico Seismic Network Data Report of Earthquakes located by the Programs HYP071 and HYPOELLIPSE" (PDF). Geological Survey Circular (821).
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c "Red Sísmica de Puerto Rico". redsismica.uprm.edu. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ "PR (Contributor)". earthquake.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ Temblor (2020-01-28). "Response and initial scientific findings from the southwestern Puerto Rico 2020 Seismic Sequence". Temblor.net. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ US Department of Commerce, NOAA. "Int. Tsunami Information Center Caribbean Office". www.weather.gov. Retrieved 2025-08-14.