Magnitude 1.3 - 33 miles N of Kobuk
September 4, 2023 23:21:35 AKDT (September 5, 2023 07:21:35 UTC)
67.3620°N 156.5924°W Depth 3.4 miles (5 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 36 miles (58 km) NE of Shungnak
- 39 miles (63 km) NE of Ambler
- 106 miles (171 km) E of Kiana
- 106 miles (171 km) NE of Selawik
- 111 miles (179 km) NW of Hughes
- 115 miles (186 km) N of Huslia
- 120 miles (194 km) NW of Allakaket
- 125 miles (202 km) E of Noorvik
- 136 miles (220 km) W of Bettles
- 138 miles (223 km) W of Anaktuvuk Pass
- 146 miles (236 km) NE of Buckland
- 303 miles (491 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.