Satellite images captured before and after a devastating earthquake in March have revealed significant ground shifts in central Myanmar. The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-1A satellite showed the area one day before the powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck on March 28.
Comparing the satellite data collected before and after the earthquake, scientists created a detailed map illustrating ground movement along the Sagaing Fault, a strike-slip fault that runs north to south through the center of Myanmar. The map revealed 63 inches (160 centimeters) of ground displacement, indicating significant movement on either side of the fault.
This data provides critical insight into the earthquake and can aid in disaster response efforts. According to ESA officials, satellite radar images allow scientists to map the extent of ruptures and identify areas of increased seismic risk. The European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 mission includes two satellites positioned 180 degrees apart in orbit above Earth, enabling them to scan the entire globe every six days.
The earthquake rupture extended approximately 342 miles (550 kilometers) along the Sagaing Fault, making it one of the longest documented surface ruptures for a strike-slip fault. The data from this study can help improve earthquake models globally and aid in disaster response efforts.
Source: https://www.space.com/the-universe/earth/satellite-images-reveal-how-earths-surface-moved-during-deadly-myanmar-earthquake