Summary

Magnitude 2.3 - 71 miles NW of Barrow

December 12, 2023 04:56:25 AKST (December 12, 2023 13:56:25 UTC)
71.6989°N 159.7489°W Depth 1.7 miles (2 km)

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist

74 miles (119 km) N of Wainwright
154 miles (249 km) NE of Point Lay
238 miles (385 km) NW of Umiat
261 miles (423 km) N of Red Dog Mine site
269 miles (436 km) NW of Pump Station #1
275 miles (445 km) NW of Deadhorse
275 miles (445 km) NW of Prudhoe Bay
285 miles (462 km) NE of Point Hope
295 miles (478 km) N of Noatak
297 miles (481 km) N of Kivalina
299 miles (484 km) NW of Pump Station #2

Magnitude type: M_l
Event type: earthquake

Tectonic Setting of the North Slope

The North Slope region is virtually aseismic, producing very few detectable earthquakes each year. It is the least tectonically active area of Alaska. Seismicity in the surrounding region is characterized by intraplate earthquakes associated with Brooks Range mountain building and crustal reorganization. To the east, a broad earthquake band extending from northeast of the Brooks Range toward the Beaufort Sea has produced numerous magnitude 4-5 earthquakes.