M3.1 Earthquake 73 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska — May 15, 2026
2026-05-15 22:39:01 UTC (19 hours ago) · approx. 12:39 PM UTC-10 local
On May 15, 2026 at 22:39 UTC, a magnitude 3.1 shallow crustal earthquake struck 73 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska, at a depth of 5.0 km and coordinates 69.5760°, -144.6320°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 3.1 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 674 kg of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 83 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
-144.6320°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 3.1 earthquake near Kaktovik, Alaska?
The magnitude 3.1 earthquake that struck 73 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska on May 15, 2026 at 22:39 UTC had a depth of 5.0 km. For context, this was a minor earthquake typically detected only by instruments.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 3.1 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 3.1 earthquakes are typically only recorded by instruments.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: aka2026jpggmx). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 15, 2026). M3.1 Earthquake 73 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska — May 15, 2026. Retrieved May 16, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/aka2026jpggmx/