The evolution of large turbulent eddies has been investigated in seven supersonic shear layers with average convective Mach numbersMcranging from 0.22 to 0.86 and with large variation in density and velocity ratios. A two-laser, single-detector planar laser-induced fluorescence technique was used to visualize the flow and its evolution. Two-dimensional pattern matching yielded the convective velocity of the eddies. ForMc>0.3, fast and slow modes of eddy propagation were detected in supersonic–subsonic and supersonic–supersonic combinations, respectively. An empirical model for the convective velocity is proposed. Plan views reveal coexistence of two- and three-dimensional disturbances. Interaction among eddies appears significantly suppressed. The findings have direct impact on supersonic jet noise and are very relevant to supersonic combustion. ©1997 American Institute of Physics.