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Myanmar earthquake's unique rupture speeds confirmed

New studies reveal the 2025 earthquake's rupture occurred at supershear velocities, impacting thousands.

July 19, 2025 at 11:27 AM

Myanmar earthquake's fault rupture exceeded seismic wave speeds, offering rare evidence of supershear

New studies shed light on the seismic events of the March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar.

Myanmar earthquake reveals rare evidence of supershear rupture

Research on the 28 March 2025 magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Myanmar indicates that part of its rupture occurred at supershear velocity, moving at 5 to 6 kilometers per second. Seismologists have noted significant ground motion and a large slip of seven meters across the Sagaing Fault. This earthquake, which resulted in over 5,000 casualties, shows that certain portions of the fault had not ruptured since the early 19th century. Measurements confirm the supershear velocity, providing insights into its destructive impact felt as far away as Thailand. The researchers emphasize the need for improved understanding of fault behavior to assess future seismic risks.

Key Takeaways

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The 2025 Myanmar earthquake reached speeds of 5 to 6 kilometers per second.

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Over 5,000 casualties were reported from the earthquake.

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The Sagaing Fault had not ruptured in the central region since 1912.

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Measurements confirmed supershear rupture, marking a unique seismic event.

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The earthquake's impacts extended to neighboring Thailand.

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Improved fault understanding is essential for future seismic risk assessments.

"That was unusually clear and convincing evidence for supershear rupture."

Thorne Lay highlights the significance of the findings regarding ground motion.

"Longer histories and better understanding of fault segmentation are needed for future event activity."

Lay emphasizes the need for improved fault understanding following the earthquake.

The findings from the Myanmar earthquake mark an important moment in earthquake studies. The confirmation of supershear rupture changes the way seismologists understand seismic waves' behavior during major earthquakes. This event not only highlights the geological complexities of the Sagaing Fault but also raises questions about potential future quakes in the area. As scientists gather more data, the implications for disaster preparedness in the region become more pressing, particularly regarding the historical seismic gaps that complicate predictions.

Highlights

This is one of the closest seismic stations to record the rupture passage for a great earthquake.
Supershear velocity offers new insights into seismic wave behavior during large earthquakes.
The characteristics of the preceding seismic gap are still unclear but vital for future predictions.
Better understanding of fault segmentation is needed for assessing future seismic risks.

Seismic event raises concerns about future earthquakes

The earthquake's unprecedented characteristics could indicate higher seismic risks in the region, emphasizing the need for urgency in understanding fault behavior and preparedness.

As researchers study this phenomenon, the focus on earthquake preparedness continues to intensify.

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myanmar earthquake seismology supershear sagaing fault science natural disasters geology

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