Magnitude 2.2 - 42 miles N of Ambler
May 17, 2023 22:41:01 AKDT (May 18, 2023 06:41:01 UTC)
67.6586°N 158.3776°W Depth 8.9 miles (14 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 63 miles (102 km) NW of Shungnak
- 66 miles (107 km) NW of Kobuk
- 72 miles (116 km) NE of Kiana
- 85 miles (137 km) NE of Selawik
- 91 miles (147 km) NE of Noorvik
- 120 miles (194 km) E of Red Dog Mine site
- 121 miles (196 km) E of Noatak
- 124 miles (201 km) NE of Kotzebue
- 140 miles (226 km) N of Buckland
- 146 miles (236 km) N of Huslia
- 158 miles (256 km) NW of Hughes
- 294 miles (476 km) NE of Nome
- Magnitude type: Ml
- 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.