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Supershear Earthquakes

Introduction

A supershear earthquake is a type of earthquake in which the rupture along the fault propagates faster than the velocity of shear waves (S-waves) in the surrounding rock. This produces an intense, shockwave-like ground motion similar to a sonic boom. Supershear earthquakes are rare but extremely destructive because they release concentrated energy along the fault line.

Mechanism

In ordinary earthquakes, the rupture speed is slower than the shear-wave velocity. However, in supershear events, the rupture speed exceeds the S-wave speed, creating a Mach front — a cone of concentrated seismic energy.
This results in highly directional ground shaking, where most of the energy travels along the direction of the rupture instead of spreading evenly outward.

Key Characteristics

Supershear earthquakes are marked by very high rupture velocities, short but intense shaking durations, and severe damage along the rupture path. The directional nature of the energy release causes disproportionate destruction along certain fault segments.

Notable Examples

The phenomenon was first confirmed during the 2001 Kunlun earthquake in China. Later, the 2018 Palu earthquake in Indonesia exhibited clear supershear behaviour. Recently, the 2025 Myanmar earthquake (magnitude 7.7) was identified as a supershear event after scientific studies showed that the rupture extended over 460 kilometres, causing severe shaking even in distant cities like Bangkok.

Scientific Significance

Supershear earthquakes have reshaped understanding of rupture dynamics and ground motion. They demonstrate that the severity of an earthquake’s impact depends not only on its magnitude but also on the speed and direction of rupture propagation.
These findings have important implications for improving seismic hazard assessment and risk models in regions with strike-slip fault systems.

Implications for India

The Himalayan belt and parts of western India, such as the Kutch region, lie in active tectonic zones capable of generating such events. Supershear behaviour could intensify localised destruction in these areas. Hence, there is a need to strengthen building codes, infrastructure resilience, and disaster preparedness strategies under frameworks like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Way Forward

Policymakers and scientists must integrate supershear dynamics into seismic hazard mapping and urban planning. Enhanced fault monitoring using GPS and satellite-based systems, as well as the promotion of earthquake-resilient construction practices, are essential to mitigate future risks.

India has been elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 7th time for a three-year term (2026-28) starting next year. India's Permanent Representative at the UN, P. Harish, said that this election reflects India’s unwavering commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Paying tribute to our beloved Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary (15th October), celebrated as World Students' Day. May his passion for education inspire every aspirant to achieve their dream.