4.3.4

Measuring Earthquakes

Test yourself

Measuring Earthquakes

The Moment Magnitude scale is used to measure earthquake magnitude. The Mercalli scale measures the damage done by earthquakes.

Illustrative background for The Moment Magnitude scaleIllustrative background for The Moment Magnitude scale ?? "content

The Moment Magnitude scale

  • The moment magnitude scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake by measuring how much energy it releases.
Illustrative background for LogarithmicIllustrative background for Logarithmic ?? "content

Logarithmic

  • The scale is logarithmic.
  • This means that it goes up in tens. So 2 on the scale is 10x stronger than 1, and 3 is 10x stronger than 2.
Illustrative background for Magnitude 1-10Illustrative background for Magnitude 1-10 ?? "content

Magnitude 1-10

  • We have never seen an earthquake with a magnitude larger than 9.5.
  • Earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or more often cause a lot of damage and deaths.
Illustrative background for The Mercalli scaleIllustrative background for The Mercalli scale ?? "content

The Mercalli scale

  • It measures damage done and is scored from I-XII.
  • It is recorded in Roman numerals.
  • This scale is more likely to hide differences between LIC and HIC countries as it shows damage;
    • A much smaller earthquake (in terms of magnitude) could cause total destruction in a poorly built city than in a well-built one with earthquake-proof buildings.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium