Magnitude 1.6 - 48 miles SW of Kaktovik
May 15, 2019 18:51:05 AKDT (May 16, 2019 02:51:05 UTC)
69.5305°N 144.63°W Depth 2.8 miles (4 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 95 miles (154 km) E of Pump Station #2
- 100 miles (162 km) N of Arctic Village
- 101 miles (163 km) SE of Deadhorse
- 101 miles (163 km) SE of Prudhoe Bay
- 107 miles (173 km) SE of Pump Station #1
- 114 miles (184 km) NE of Pump Station #3
- 140 miles (226 km) NE of Pump Station #4
- 180 miles (291 km) N of Venetie
- 182 miles (295 km) E of Umiat
- 189 miles (306 km) NW of Old Crow
- 200 miles (324 km) N of Chalkyitsik
- 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.