Magnitude 2.3 - 46 miles S of Kaktovik
October 7, 2019 23:00:23 AKDT (October 8, 2019 07:00:23 UTC)
69.4927°N 144.2574°W Depth 11.2 miles (18 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 100 miles (162 km) N of Arctic Village
- 104 miles (168 km) E of Pump Station #2
- 110 miles (178 km) SE of Deadhorse
- 110 miles (178 km) SE of Prudhoe Bay
- 116 miles (188 km) SE of Pump Station #1
- 121 miles (196 km) NE of Pump Station #3
- 147 miles (238 km) NE of Pump Station #4
- 180 miles (291 km) N of Venetie
- 181 miles (293 km) NW of Old Crow
- 191 miles (309 km) E of Umiat
- 197 miles (319 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.