Story perspectives

Massive 7.7 Earthquake in Myanmar Exceeds Seismic Predictions

11/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On March 28, 2025, Myanmar experienced a magnitude 7.7 supershear earthquake along the Sagaing Fault with a rapid rupture.
A study led by Dara E. Goldberg of the U.S. Geological Survey found the rupture extended about 475 kilometers, more than double predictions.
The findings suggest traditional seismic models may underestimate risks from such events.
Factors include the fault's straight geometry, nearly two centuries of stress accumulation, and contrasting rock properties.

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Story summary

On March 28, 2025, Myanmar experienced a magnitude 7.7 supershear earthquake along the Sagaing Fault with a rapid rupture.
A study led by Dara E. Goldberg of the U.S. Geological Survey found the rupture extended about 475 kilometers, more than double predictions.
The findings suggest traditional seismic models may underestimate risks from such events.
Factors include the fault's straight geometry, nearly two centuries of stress accumulation, and contrasting rock properties.