Culture: The earth’s trembling would have another sign of the divine presence in Mesoamerican culture. (See commentary accompanying Mosiah 27:18.)
Geological: The combination of an earthquake and an overshadowing cloud of darkness suggests a volcanic eruption. As discussed in connection with 3 Nephi 8, Mesoamerica is an area of significant volcanic activity. The eruption of a volcano both now and just before the Messiah’s arrival may indicate a period of intensified volcanic activity.