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Earthquake intensity scales describe the severity of an earthquake’s effects on the Earth's surface, humans, and buildings at different locations in the area of the epicenter. There can be multiple intensity measurements. The Modified Mercalli Scale measures the amount of shaking at a particular location.
The Richter scale measures the largest wiggle (amplitude) on the recording, but other magnitude scales measure different parts of the earthquake. The USGS currently reports earthquake magnitudes using the Moment Magnitude scale, though many other magnitudes are calculated for research and comparison purposes.
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What are earthquake magnitudes & intensity?
Earthquake magnitudes are determined by measuring the amplitudes of seismic waves. The amplitude is the height of the wave relative to the baseline (Figure 9.13). Wave amplitude depends on the amount of energy carried by the wave. The amplitudes of seismic waves reflect the amount of energy released by earthquakes.
Apr 24, 2024 · 12.2: Seismic Waves and Measuring Earthquakes. The shaking from an earthquake travels away from the rupture in the form of seismic waves. Seismic waves are measured to determine the location of the earthquake, and to estimate the amount of energy released by the earthquake (its magnitude ).
Seismic waves are measured to determine the location of the earthquake, and to estimate the amount of energy released by the earthquake (its magnitude ). Types of Seismic Waves. Seismic waves are classified according to where they travel, and how they move particles. Body Waves.
Most Americans are familiar with the Richter scale, which was developed by seismologist Charles Richter in 1935 at the California Institute of Technology. This scale is based on the largest shock wave recorded by a seismograph 100 km from the earthquake epicenter (the point on Earth’s surface directly above the rupture).
Nov 24, 2023 · The other way of assessing the impact of an earthquake is to assess what people felt and how much damage was done. This is known as intensity. Intensity values are assigned to locations, rather than to the earthquake itself, and intensity can vary widely therefore, depending on the proximity to the earth quake and the type of ground underneath.
