Magnitude 1.7 - 53 miles W of Anaktuvuk Pass
December 7, 2022 13:06:31 AKST (December 7, 2022 22:06:31 UTC)
68.0095°N 153.7573°W Depth 10.3 miles (16 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 94 miles (152 km) NW of Bettles
- 102 miles (165 km) SW of Umiat
- 104 miles (168 km) NW of Wiseman
- 105 miles (170 km) N of Allakaket
- 107 miles (173 km) NW of Coldfoot
- 112 miles (181 km) NE of Kobuk
- 116 miles (188 km) W of Pump Station #4
- 117 miles (189 km) NW of Pump Station #5
- 118 miles (191 km) NE of Shungnak
- 125 miles (202 km) NE of Ambler
- 137 miles (222 km) N of Hughes
- 275 miles (445 km) NW of Fairbanks
- 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.