**Summary: Earthquake in Myanmar**
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, impacting areas including Bangkok, Thailand.
### What Happened?
– **Who:** Central Myanmar, with effects felt in Thailand.
– **What:** A 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
– **When:** Occurred at 6:21 AM GMT.
– **Where:** Epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar.
– **Why:** Result of tectonic activity along the Sagaing fault.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake was shallow, originating at a depth of just 10 km (6 miles). The destruction is significant, with numerous buildings reported as collapsed or damaged, and roads buckled. The death toll is rising, with casualties reported in both Myanmar and Thailand. Bill McGuire, an expert in geophysical hazards, indicated that the quality of construction in the region may not withstand such intense shaking, suggesting that the number of casualties could increase as more information becomes available.
### What Caused the Earthquake?
– Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates.
– The Myanmar quake was caused by “strike slip faulting” between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
– The Sagaing fault marks the boundary where the Indian plate moves northward relative to the Eurasian plate.
The USGS notes that the region has experienced several significant earthquakes in the past, with six magnitude 7 or greater quakes occurring within 250 km since 1900.
### Understanding Magnitude
– The moment magnitude scale is the current standard for measuring earthquakes, replacing the older Richter scale.
– The moment magnitude is calculated based on:
– The strength of the rock where the slip occurred.
– The area of the fault that slipped.
– The distance the fault moved.
The moment magnitude scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in ground shaking. This earthquake is classified as major, and its shallow depth exacerbates its impact.
### Conclusion
The recent earthquake in Myanmar highlights the vulnerability of the region to seismic events. How will the affected communities respond and recover from this disaster?
### FAQs:
**What is the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Myanmar?**
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.7, making it a significant seismic event.
