The Intensity of an Earthquake is Measured on

By Balaji

Updated on: March 21st, 2023

The Intensity of an Earthquake is Measured on the Mercalli scale. The earthquake intensity, or strength, is a measure of the amplitude, or size, of seismic waves as specified by a seismograph reading. Based on damage from observable earthquakes, the Mercalli Scale is used.

Table of content

1. Measurement of Earthquake Intensity
2. The Intensity of an Earthquake is Measured on

Measurement of Earthquake Intensity

This scale was modified by Harry O. The Mercalli scale is also known as the Modified Mercalli scale. With the use of this scale, Isoseismal curves can be drawn to summarize such data for an earthquake. Isoseismals would be circles with the epicenter if there were complete symmetry about the vertical through the earthquake’s focus.

Read: What are the Main Causes of Earthquakes?

The scale has twelve levels based on which the degree of the earthquake is described. The twelve scale levels are Not Felt, Weak, Light, Moderate, Strong, Very Strong, Severe, Violent, and the next three levels are Extreme.

From a scientific perspective, the Mercalli scale is based on observable data, which can be arbitrary, whereas the magnitude scale is based on seismic records.
The magnitude scale is therefore regarded as being more accurate and scientifically more objective.
When two earthen blocks abruptly move past one another, an earthquake results. The fault, also known as the fault plane, is the area where they slide.

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