Magnitude 2.0 - 49 miles SW of Kaktovik
October 17, 2020 12:55:10 AKDT (October 17, 2020 20:55:10 UTC)
69.5067°N 144.5972°W Depth 4.3 miles (6 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 96 miles (155 km) E of Pump Station #2
- 98 miles (158 km) N of Arctic Village
- 103 miles (167 km) SE of Deadhorse
- 103 miles (167 km) SE of Prudhoe Bay
- 109 miles (176 km) SE of Pump Station #1
- 114 miles (184 km) NE of Pump Station #3
- 140 miles (226 km) NE of Pump Station #4
- 179 miles (290 km) N of Venetie
- 183 miles (296 km) E of Umiat
- 187 miles (303 km) NW of Old Crow
- 198 miles (321 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.