NASA Uncovers Up to 60 cm Ground Shift in Venezuela After Twin Earthquakes

NASA has unveiled startling geological data concerning the twin earthquakes that rocked Venezuela on June 24. A seismic fault led to a ground shift of up to 60 centimeters near Caracas' international airport, shedding light on the severe devastation witnessed in both the capital and La Guaira.

The information was gathered by the NISAR satellite (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), designed to meticulously observe surface changes on Earth.

Experts from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) utilized synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) techniques, comparing pre- and post-earthquake satellite images to identify subtle shifts in the ground's position relative to the satellite.

Processed data revealed an approximate rupture zone near Morón, with the fault line extending eastward into the sea before returning landward close to the international airport north of Caracas.

Significantly, the largest horizontal shift—up to 60 centimeters westward—was recorded just south of this segment.

“These findings explain why damage in Caracas and La Guaira was so extensive,” stated Eric Fielding, a JPL geophysicist who provided the seismic maps. “InSAR gives us deep insights into the earthquake's impact,” he added.

NASA clarified that the fault is part of a complex fracture network situated at the boundary between the Caribbean plate to the north and the South American plate to the south.

Scientists indicated that the earthquakes likely originated from the San Sebastián fault system and possibly involved the Boconó system, areas that had been under stress for an extended period.

Using NISAR data, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) refined its finite fault model to better delineate the fault’s subsurface movements.

“This is crucial for understanding the severity of the damage in that region,” Fielding emphasized.

This event marked the first use of NISAR's Urgent Response system to map displacement caused by a major earthquake, according to EFE reports. This system can deliver data within 12 to 24 hours to aid relief efforts.

The twin quakes, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and occurring less than a minute apart, have been deemed Venezuela's most significant seismic disaster in over a century.

The official toll, shared by Jorge Rodríguez, the Venezuelan Parliament's president, reports 4,561 fatalities, 16,740 injuries, and 17,907 people left homeless.