Surface Rupture of the 2025 Mw 7.7 Mandalay, Myanmar, Earthquake: Insights from Field and Optical Remote Sensing Observations
Journal
Seismological Research Letters
Journal Volume
97
Journal Issue
3
Start Page
1739
End Page
1753
ISSN
0895-0695
1938-2057
Date Issued
2026-04-29
Author(s)
Min, Soe
Aung, Thura
Tsutsumi, Hiroyuki
Htun, Wanna
Mon, Chit Thet
Thu Aung, Lin
Win, Kyaw Zin
Min, Saw Myat
Myo, Ei Mhone Nathar
Htay, Khaing Nyein
Khaing, Saw Ngwe
Thant, Myo
Thura Tun, Soe
Abstract
We document coseismic right-lateral offsets of the 2025 Mw 7.7 Mandalay earthquake in Myanmar using post-quake field surveys and optical remote sensing data. Both results confirm that the 2025 Mandalay earthquake generated a surface rupture exceeding 470 km in length, extending from the central to southern section of the Sagaing fault. Our investigation confirmed the presence of a continuous, narrow rup-ture, with coseismic slip peaking at ∼4.6 m across the rupture, and ∼6.2 m from optical satellite imagery in the northern Sagaing Hills. Although the slip distribution measured in the field shows a pattern similar to that derived from optical satellite data, comparison of field measurements against remote sensing observations reveals a systematic ∼1 m deficit along most parts of the rupture. This difference suggests that a substantial portion of displacement was accommodated by distributed deformation within uncon-solidated Quaternary alluvial deposits in the very shallow part of the fault. This interpretation is further supported by a highly localized offset along the fault section that cuts through metamorphic rocks with minimal overlying sediments in the Sagaing Hills. Since the southernmost segment of the Sagaing fault, which last ruptured in May 1930, is the principal remaining unruptured section, we highlight the seismic hazard potential for densely populated southern Myanmar, necessitating urgent paleoseismological work and seismic risk assessment.
Subjects
Mandalay
Myanmar
Earthquakes
Faulting
Optical remote sensing
Risk assessment
Satellite imagery
Seismic response
Coseismic slips
Field surveys
Myanmars
Optical remote sensing data
Optical satellite imagery
Optical satellites
Satellite data
Slip distribution
Surface ruptures
coseismic process
earthquake event
earthquake rupture
fault
remote sensing
seismic hazard
Metamorphic rocks
Publisher
Seismological Society of America (SSA)
Type
journal article