Magnitude 1.9 - 49 miles S of Kaktovik
June 18, 2019 06:51:56 AKDT (June 18, 2019 14:51:56 UTC)
69.4612°N 144.342°W Depth 2.6 miles (4 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 97 miles (157 km) N of Arctic Village
- 102 miles (165 km) E of Pump Station #2
- 109 miles (176 km) SE of Deadhorse
- 110 miles (178 km) SE of Prudhoe Bay
- 116 miles (188 km) SE of Pump Station #1
- 118 miles (191 km) NE of Pump Station #3
- 144 miles (233 km) NE of Pump Station #4
- 178 miles (288 km) N of Venetie
- 181 miles (293 km) NW of Old Crow
- 189 miles (306 km) E of Umiat
- 195 miles (316 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.