Magnitude 2.1 - 5 miles SE of Kaktovik
September 12, 2023 22:31:37 AKDT (September 13, 2023 06:31:37 UTC)
70.0918°N 143.439°W Depth 8.7 miles (14 km)
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist
- 115 miles (186 km) E of Prudhoe Bay
- 117 miles (189 km) E of Deadhorse
- 122 miles (197 km) E of Pump Station #1
- 130 miles (210 km) E of Pump Station #2
- 145 miles (235 km) N of Arctic Village
- 157 miles (254 km) NE of Pump Station #3
- 185 miles (299 km) NE of Pump Station #4
- 204 miles (330 km) NW of Old Crow
- 214 miles (346 km) E of Umiat
- 226 miles (366 km) N of Venetie
- 238 miles (385 km) N of Chalkyitsik
- 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.
