Analyzing coseismic displacement of the M7.7 Myanmar earthquake on march 28, 2025, using Sentinel-1 InSAR data

The 2025 M7.7 Myanmar earthquake, the most powerful seismic event in the region since 1912, occurred along the Sagaing Fault near Mandalay on 28 March, causing extensive damage. This study leverages Sentinel-1 Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data to quantify coseismic and preseismic displacements along the Sagaing Fault. The primary objective is to enhance the understanding of the seismic behavior and fault mechanics by analyzing seismic displacement patterns. Differential InSAR (DInSAR) and the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) methods were employed to estimate ground displacements caused by the mega-earthquake event by utilizing Sentinel-1 SAR data to generate coseismic and preseismic displacement maps. The results reveal a coseismic displacement range of 244 to −712 mm, with the highest deformation rates observed near the epicenters of the M7.7 mainshock and the subsequent M6.7 aftershock. The high-resolution interferogram generated through DInSAR enabled the precise mapping of deformation zones, revealing the spatial distribution of ground displacements with a high degree of accuracy. SBAS analysis highlights the preseismic deformation dynamics and the variation in ground deformation following the earthquake. Time-series analysis indicates an average preseismic subsidence of approximately 66 mm for the selected pixels, which possess a mean coherence and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.79 and 2.19 mm, respectively, suggesting continued slip along the fault. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of Sentinel-1 InSAR data in capturing coseismic deformation, providing valuable insights into the tectonic behavior of the region. This study enhances the understanding of seismic hazards in Myanmar and underscores the utility of InSAR techniques for monitoring earthquake-induced displacements.