![]() The Richter Scaleįrom 1935 until 1970, the earthquake magnitude scale was the Richter scale, a mathematical formula invented by Caltech seismologist Charles Richter to compare quake sizes. Try out USGS’s “How Much Bigger…?” calculator to learn more about how to measure the magnitude of an earthquake. This helps us understand that while the size (amplitude) differences between small and big quakes are big enough, it is the strength (energy) differences that are meaningful. ![]() In other words, it is “comparing amplitudes of waves on a seismogram, not the strength, or energy, of the quakes,” according to USGS. Earthquake Magnitude ScaleĪn important piece of information to keep in mind is that the magnitude scale is logarithmic. The Modified Mercalli Scale measures the amount of shaking at a particular location. There can be multiple intensity measurements. To get a better idea of the strength of the shaking and damage, the Moment Magnitude Scale was developed to capture all the different seismic waves from an earthquake to worldwide seismic networks.Įarthquake 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. Since 1970, the Moment Magnitude Scale has been used because it supports earthquake detection all over the Earth. The magnitude does not depend on the location where measurement is made. how is earthquake magnitude measured?Īn earthquake has one magnitude unit. The seismograph produces a digital graphic plotting of the ground motion of the event. The digital recording is called a seismogram.Ī network of worldwide seismographs detects and measures the strength and duration of the earthquake’s waves. The seismograph produces a digital graphic recording of the ground motion caused by the seismic waves. A seismograph is the primary earthquake measuring instrument. When the Earth trembles, earthquakes spread energy in the form of seismic waves. Now, scientists use earthquake measurements that describe the physical effects of an earthquake rather than measurements based only on the height of a waveform recording. But for very large earthquakes, some magnitudes underestimated the true earthquake size. Years ago, all magnitude scales were based on the recorded waveform lengths or the length of a seismic wave from one peak to the next. Seismographic networks measure earthquakes by their magnitude, energy release and intensity. ![]() You may not always feel the earth shaking, but California has earthquakes occurring all the time.
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