On March 28, the city of Mandalay, Myanmar, teetered as the epicenter of a catastrophic magnitude 7.7 earthquake. Resonating with seismic power, this natural event surged across borders, shaking Bangkok, Thailand, 1,000 kilometers away. This event not only marks a geological disturbance but hints at unique seismic phenomena previously unseen in the region. According to IFLScience, the insights emerging from this devastation yield fascinating (and equally terrifying) geological facts.

The Supersonic Surge: A Supershear Quake

The earthquake’s intensity was exacerbated by an intriguing phenomenon—classified as a “supershear” event. Here, the tsunami of seismic rupture breaks the sound barrier, moving faster than the seismic waves can travel. This results in an explosive energy release akin to a supersonic jet sonic boom. Research from Frederik Tilmann and student Felipe Vera highlights the rapid southward rupture speed of ~5 km/s, far exceeding typical shear wave velocities.

A Shallow Thrumming Core

A pivotal factor underlying the earthquake’s formidable impact was its closeness to the surface. At an unsettling depth of merely 10 kilometers, the epicenter’s shallow nature intensified its destructive reach. As USGS underscores, the proximity of the source means stronger surface shakes, ripping apart buildings and infrastructure both in Myanmar and far-off Bangkok.

Unanswered Geological Mysteries

While much is understood, questions linger. Seismologist Susan Hough notes discrepancies in Myanmar’s seismic monitoring data, suggesting gaps due to possible disruptions from the country’s ongoing political upheaval. An enigmatic silence from three core seismic stations leaves the scientific community eager for the promising data that could peel back the layers of this seismic mystery.

With ongoing geological analysis, the profound impacts of this earthquake promise to reframe seismic understanding not just for Myanmar, but the entire world. The lingering mysteries beckon a deeper contemplation, as the region molds its resilience amid geological turmoil.