Magnitude 2.0 - 50 miles S of Kaktovik
April 20, 2019 08:59:01 AKDT (April 20, 2019 16:59:01 UTC)
69.4166°N 144.0215°W Depth 3.1 miles (5 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 97 miles (157 km) N of Arctic Village
- 110 miles (178 km) E of Pump Station #2
- 118 miles (191 km) SE of Deadhorse
- 118 miles (191 km) SE of Prudhoe Bay
- 124 miles (201 km) SE of Pump Station #1
- 125 miles (202 km) E of Pump Station #3
- 149 miles (241 km) NE of Pump Station #4
- 173 miles (280 km) NW of Old Crow
- 177 miles (286 km) N of Venetie
- 191 miles (309 km) N of Chalkyitsik
- 197 miles (319 km) E of Umiat
- Magnitude type: Ml2
- Event type: earthquake
Tectonic Setting of the Brooks Range
Seismicity in the Brooks Range is characterized by intraplate earthquakes associated with mountain building and crustal reorganization. A broad earthquake band extends from northeast of the Brooks Range toward the Beaufort Sea. Earthquake source mechanisms comprise a mixture of strike-slip and normal faulting events, indicative of north-northwest compression and northeast extension. A magnitude 6.4 earthquake on August 12, 2018 located 43 miles (69 km) south of Kaktovik was the largest earthquake ever recorded north of the Brooks Range. It produced an energetic aftershock sequence that continues to this day. In 2019, a vigorous swarm sequence began in the Purcell Mountains. More than 9,000 earthquakes have been recorded as part of this swarm through the end of 2021, including five earthquakes with magnitudes larger than 5. At present, this swarm continues, though at a decreased activity level.