Magnitude 3.4 - 20 miles E of Kaktovik
March 22, 2020 12:57:54 AKDT (March 22, 2020 20:57:54 UTC)
70.0976°N 142.7667°W Depth 4.3 miles (6 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 131 miles (212 km) E of Prudhoe Bay
- 133 miles (215 km) E of Deadhorse
- 137 miles (222 km) E of Pump Station #1
- 145 miles (235 km) E of Pump Station #2
- 153 miles (248 km) NE of Arctic Village
- 171 miles (277 km) NE of Pump Station #3
- 197 miles (319 km) N of Old Crow
- 198 miles (321 km) NE of Pump Station #4
- 230 miles (372 km) E of Umiat
- 232 miles (376 km) N of Venetie
- 239 miles (387 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.