Total Destruction
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale is typically used to assess the level of earthquake damage to homes and other buildings. The scale assigns a value based on observed effects and is used to quantify the intensity of shaking at a specific location during an earthquake.
The intensity of an earthquake, the distance from the earthquake's epicenter, the type of soil or rock on which structures are built, and the design and construction of buildings in the affected area all affect the amount of destruction caused by earthquake vibrations. Additionally, population density and level of preparedness also play a significant role in determining the extent of damage.
The scale used to describe the amount of damage an earthquake causes is the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. This scale measures the intensity of shaking and the resulting damage at a specific location, rather than the earthquake's magnitude, which is measured on the Richter scale. The MMI scale ranges from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction), with each level representing a different degree of impact on structures and people.
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.
An intensity of VII on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale can cause considerable damage to poorly built buildings. This level of intensity typically leads to partial collapse of structures with a likelihood of extensive damage.
The measure of how much damage an earthquake causes on the surface is determined by the earthquake magnitude and the distance from the epicenter. Earthquake damage can also be influenced by local geology and infrastructure resilience. The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale is commonly used to assess the level of shaking and resulting damage.
MM Intensity- XI
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) level of the Japan earthquake on March 11, 2011, was around VII to IX, varying across different locations. The earthquake caused widespread damage and triggered a devastating tsunami that led to significant destruction and loss of life.
Seismologists estimate earthquake intensity based on the reports of witnesses on the level of felt ground movement, on the amount of damage caused by an earthquake and also based on the ground accelerations as measured by seismometers. The scale used to define earthquake intensity in much of the world is the Modified Mercalli scale (before this, a scale known as the Rossi-Forel scale was used). In Europe the Macroseismic scale is in use.
Earthquake damage is typically caused by the combination of ground shaking, surface faulting, and ground failure (such as landslides, liquefaction, and tsunamis). The greatest amount of damage is usually seen in densely populated areas with poorly constructed buildings and inadequate infrastructure. The level of damage also depends on the intensity and duration of the shaking, as well as the proximity of the epicenter to populated areas.
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale is typically used to assess the level of earthquake damage to homes and other buildings. The scale assigns a value based on observed effects and is used to quantify the intensity of shaking at a specific location during an earthquake.
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale measures earthquakes based on the level of damage and the effects felt by people and structures. The scale ranges from I (least amount of damage) to XII (total destruction).
The intensity of an earthquake, the distance from the earthquake's epicenter, the type of soil or rock on which structures are built, and the design and construction of buildings in the affected area all affect the amount of destruction caused by earthquake vibrations. Additionally, population density and level of preparedness also play a significant role in determining the extent of damage.
It measured 6.3 on the Richter scale
This term describes the perceived level of ground shaking that occurs in a given area for an earthquake and can be estimated based on the damage caused to buildings and other infrastructure as well as on witness reports and based on measured accelerations of the ground taken from seismometers.
The US Geological Survey provide a contour map of earthquake intensity for the earthquake that occurred on the 12th of January, 2010. This indicates that the highest intensity (perceived shaking) with a level of 10 (X) on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale occurred in Grand Goave (population 5000). The Haitian capital Port-au-Prince suffered an intensity 9 event. The scale indicates that at this intensity structures will suffer heavy to very heavy damage. Please see the related links and question.
The level of damage caused by a tornado, hurricane, or earthquake can vary depending on factors such as intensity, location, and duration. Generally, hurricanes and earthquakes have the potential to cause more widespread and severe damage due to their larger scale and longer-lasting impact. Earthquakes can lead to structural collapse and tsunamis, while hurricanes can bring strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall that contribute to significant damage. However, tornadoes can also be extremely destructive on a more localized level, with intense winds causing damage along a narrow path.