Magnitude 1.5 - 82 miles N of Ambler
October 13, 2019 23:16:41 AKDT (October 14, 2019 07:16:41 UTC)
68.2696°N 158.0561°W Depth 10.1 miles (16 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 99 miles (160 km) N of Kobuk
- 99 miles (160 km) N of Shungnak
- 109 miles (176 km) NE of Kiana
- 124 miles (201 km) E of Red Dog Mine site
- 126 miles (204 km) NE of Noorvik
- 126 miles (204 km) NE of Selawik
- 136 miles (220 km) NE of Noatak
- 153 miles (248 km) NE of Kotzebue
- 161 miles (261 km) SE of Point Lay
- 162 miles (262 km) W of Anaktuvuk Pass
- 166 miles (269 km) SW 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.