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- A seismograph produces a graph-like representation of the seismic waves it receives and records them onto a seismogram (Figure below). Seismograms contain information that can be used to determine how strong an earthquake was, how long it lasted, and how far away it was.
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How are earthquake magnitudes determined?
How do seismograms measure earthquake intensity?
What are earthquake magnitudes & intensity?
What determines the intensity of an earthquake?
Intensity is a measure of the shaking and damage caused by the earthquake; this value changes from location to location. Learn more: Earthquake Magnitude, Energy Release, and Shaking Intensity
- Recording Seismic Waves Using A Seismograph
- Finding The Location of An Earthquake
- How Big Was It?
A seismometer is an instrument that detects seismic waves. An instrument that combines a seismometer with a device for recording the waves is called a seismograph. The graphical output from a seismograph is called a seismogram. Figure 9.10 (right) shows how a seismograph works. The instrument consists of a frame or housing that is firmly anchored t...
P-waves travel faster than S-waves. As the waves travel away from the location of an earthquake, the P-wave gets farther and father ahead of the S-wave. Therefore, the farther a seismograph is from the location of an earthquake, the longer the delay between when the P-wave arrival is recorded, and the S-wave arrival is recorded. The delay between t...
Earthquakes can be described in terms of their magnitude, which reflects the amount of energy released by the shaking. They can also be described in terms of intensity, which characterizes the impact of the shaking on people and their surroundings.
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.
Measuring Magnitude. A seismograph produces a graph-like representation of the seismic waves it receives and records them onto a seismogram ( Figure below ). Seismograms contain information that can be used to determine how strong an earthquake was, how long it lasted, and how far away it was.
The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale is a qualitative scale (I-XII) of the intensity of ground shaking based on damage to structures and people’s perceptions. This scale can vary depending on the location and population density (urban vs. rural).
Intensity values are assigned to locations, rather than to the earthquake itself, and therefore intensity can vary widely, depending on the proximity to the earthquake and the types of materials underneath and the local conditions.
6.2: Earthquake Magnitude. In order to measure the size and intensity of earthquakes, we have devised several scales to measure them. The Richter Magnitude scale is one such scale that you have likely heard of. One issue with measuring earthquakes is that as the waves propagate, the energy is spread out over more area.