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An earthquake will be given one number on the Richter scale but more than one on the mercalli scale why is this?
The Richter scale measures the strength of an earthquake, this is always the same value, no matter where you are. The Mercalli intensity scale measures the effect of the earthquake on people and structures, and the intensity value will differ depending on how far you are from the epicenter.
For instance, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake may be damaging (intensity VII) around the epicenter, but 300 miles away it may be barely felt (intensity II).
What else can I help you with?
What was the mercalli scale for the Kobe earthquake?
The Mercalli Intensity Scale is a measure of earthquake intensity experienced at a given location. The Kobe earthquake in 1995 had intensities reaching up to VIII (8) on the Mercalli Intensity Scale in the heavily affected areas around Kobe.
Describe two different ways to measure the size of an earthquake?
The Mercalli scale, which measures the visible effects; and the Richter scale, which measures the energy given off by the earthquake, are the two most common ways of measuring the size of an earthquake.
How is intensity or energy of earthquakes measured?
The intensity of earthquakes is measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which assesses the effects of an earthquake at a given location. The energy released during an earthquake is measured using the moment magnitude scale (Mw), which takes into account the seismic moment and rupture length of the earthquake.
Who was the scientist who invented the scale to measure earthquakes?
Earthquake intensity is measured using the Modified Mercalli Scale. The scale indicates the perceived damage from an earthquake. These parameters are subjective: they depend on the conditions of buildings and the opinions of witnesses. To make the scale more objective, the US Geological Survey also use measurements of ground accelerations to measure earthquake intensity. Earthquake magnitude is measured using the Richter magnitude scale and is widely reported as a measurement of earthquake strength (derived from the peak amplitude of the seismic wave from an earthquake as measured on a seismometer), but it has largely been replaced by the moment magnitude scale (derived based on the elastic moduli of the crust where the earthquake occurred, the length of the slip surface and the cross sectional area of the slip surface) which estimates the total energy released in an earthquake.
The amount of shaking produced by an earthquake at a given location is called the?
The amount of shaking produced by an earthquake at a given location is called the intensity. It is measured on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which quantifies the level of shaking experienced by people and structures during an earthquake.
What was the mercalli scale for the Kobe earthquake?
The Mercalli Intensity Scale is a measure of earthquake intensity experienced at a given location. The Kobe earthquake in 1995 had intensities reaching up to VIII (8) on the Mercalli Intensity Scale in the heavily affected areas around Kobe.
Does The Richter scale describes the effects of an earthquake on people buildings and land at a given location.?
No. The scale you are describing is an intensity scale such as the modified Mercalli scale. The Richter scale is in fact a magnitude scale which describes the amount of energy released by an earthquake.
The Richter scale describes the effects of an earthquake on people buildings and land at a given location.?
No. The scale you are describing is an intensity scale such as the modified Mercalli scale. The Richter scale is in fact a magnitude scale which describes the amount of energy released by an earthquake.
What is the earthquake measurement?
There are two instruments, which are basically the same thing. There is the seismograph , and a more specific tool measures the waves on what is called the Richter scale. Earthquakes are given a number from one to ten, ten being the strongest. The strongest earthquake that their ever was, was measured a 9.3.
Which is more useful to scientists the Richter scale or Mercalli scale?
The scales have differing uses and so which scale is more useful depends on exactly what the scientist is interested in. The Richter scale is a magnitude scale. This is an estimate of the amount of energy released by an earthquake. The Mercalli scale is an intensity scale. This is an estimate of the perceived severity of ground shaking in differing areas caused by an earthquake. The Richter value is derived based on the amplitude of seismic waves measured on a seismometer and a single value is calculated for a given earthquake. This allows an earthquake to be compared to other earthquakes. The Mercalli intensity value is derived based on the damage caused to buildings and other structures and also based on the measured ground acceleration at a given location. This value can vary depending for a given earthquake on the local ground conditions, the distance from the earthquakes epicentre and the earthquake resistance of buildings. As such, the Richter value is most useful for comparing one earthquake with another, the Mercalli value is most useful for comparing the severity of ground shaking and damage caused by a single earthquake in different locations.
What is the difference between the Mercalli scale the Richter scale and the magnitude scale?
In seismology (the study of seismic waves or vibrations in the ground / earthquakes) the Richter scale is a magnitude scale. Magnitude scales show the amount of energy released by an earthquake. In the case of the Richter magnitude this is based on the amplitude of the seismic waves measured on a seismometer and the distance of the seismometer station from the epicentre of the earthquake. The magnitude value should be the same for a given earthquake no matter where it is recorded. The Mercalli scale is an intensity scale. This gives information on the perceived ground shaking in a specific location. The value is derived from witness reports on the perceived violence of the shaking, from the damage done to buildings and other infrastructure and also based on measurements from accelerometers and other seismic recording instruments in order to make the Mercalli intensity value a less subjective parameter. The intensity and damage to infrastructure can be influenced strongly by a number of variables including local ground conditions and the use (or otherwise) of earthquake resistant design. Please see the related questions for more information.
Are japan earthquake rating scales different than earthquake rating scales in Oregon?
No, the two standard scales used worldwide are the Richter and the Mercalli:Richter measures total energy release by the quake and is a single valueMercalli measures how the quake felt and the damage it caused at various sites, this gives high values near the epicenter and lower values further awayTo help distinguish them Richter magnitudes are given as a decimal number while Mercalli magnitudes are given in Roman Numerals.
How does the Richter scale best demonstrate the power and the destructive nature of an earthquake?
The Richter scale is used to rate the magnitude of an earthquake -- the amount of energy it released. This is calculated using information gathered by a seismograph.Richter ratings only give you a rough idea of the actual impact of an earthquake, though. As we've seen, an earthquake's destructive power varies depending on the composition of the ground in an area and the design and placement of man-made structures. The extent of damage is rated on the Mercalli scale. Mercalli ratings, which are given as Roman numerals, are based on largely subjective interpretations
Does The Richter Scale measure the damage caused by a given earthquake?
False!
Describe two different ways to measure the size of an earthquake?
The Mercalli scale, which measures the visible effects; and the Richter scale, which measures the energy given off by the earthquake, are the two most common ways of measuring the size of an earthquake.
How is intensity or energy of earthquakes measured?
The intensity of earthquakes is measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which assesses the effects of an earthquake at a given location. The energy released during an earthquake is measured using the moment magnitude scale (Mw), which takes into account the seismic moment and rupture length of the earthquake.
Who was the scientist who invented the scale to measure earthquakes?
Earthquake intensity is measured using the Modified Mercalli Scale. The scale indicates the perceived damage from an earthquake. These parameters are subjective: they depend on the conditions of buildings and the opinions of witnesses. To make the scale more objective, the US Geological Survey also use measurements of ground accelerations to measure earthquake intensity. Earthquake magnitude is measured using the Richter magnitude scale and is widely reported as a measurement of earthquake strength (derived from the peak amplitude of the seismic wave from an earthquake as measured on a seismometer), but it has largely been replaced by the moment magnitude scale (derived based on the elastic moduli of the crust where the earthquake occurred, the length of the slip surface and the cross sectional area of the slip surface) which estimates the total energy released in an earthquake.
