XII
The Mercalli intensity scale measures the intensity of shaking and damage caused by an earthquake. The intensity of the Sichuan earthquake in 2008 was estimated to be around VII to IX on the Mercalli scale, indicating severe to violent shaking that led to widespread damage and casualties in the region.
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale is commonly used to assess earthquake damage to buildings and structures. This scale measures the intensity of shaking felt at a given location and categorizes the damage caused based on a set of criteria.
According to the US Geological survey, the maximum intensity of the magnitude 9.5 Chilean earthquake of 1960 was rated as XI on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale which are described as very disastrous or extreme events which are likely to cause significant damage to structures. Please see the related link for details.
Insurance companies use the Mercalli scale because it provides a more accurate measure of the actual damage caused by an earthquake, rather than just the magnitude. The Mercalli scale takes into account factors such as building construction, soil type, and distance from the epicenter, which are important considerations for assessing insurance claims.
The scale used to classify and describe the effects of earthquakes on structures and local damage conditions is the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. This scale ranges from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction) and assesses the level of shaking and resulting damage experienced at a specific location during an earthquake.
Mercalli Scale
The Mercalli intensity scale measures the intensity of shaking and damage caused by an earthquake. The intensity of the Sichuan earthquake in 2008 was estimated to be around VII to IX on the Mercalli scale, indicating severe to violent shaking that led to widespread damage and casualties in the region.
Mercalli Scale is used!
The Mercalli intensity scale ranges from I to XII, with higher numbers indicating more severe shaking and damage during an earthquake.
An earthquake can measure relatively high on the Mercalli scale but low on the Richter scale due to the Mercalli scale's focus on the effects and damage caused by the quake rather than its energy release. For example, an earthquake may have a low magnitude but occur in a densely populated area, leading to significant destruction and high intensity ratings on the Mercalli scale. Factors such as local geology, building structures, and distance from the epicenter also influence perceived intensity, making it possible for the Mercalli rating to be high despite a low Richter measurement.
considerable damage
The Richter scale measures the force of earthquakes mechanically. The Mercalli scale measures the damage caused by earthquakes. The location of the epicenter of an earthquake can result in a great variation in damage amounts.
The Prince William Sound earthquake in Alaska in 1964 had a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme). This earthquake is one of the most powerful ever recorded, with widespread damage and a tsunami that caused devastation along the Alaskan coast and even reached other coastal areas in the Pacific.
The Modified Mercalli scale or in Europe, the Macroseismic Scale.
Technically, you can't tell damage from the Richter Scale, because the Richter Scale rating of an earthquake stays the same no mater how far out you go from the epicenter. The scale that measures the damage of an earthquake (meaning the scale rating gets lower the further you go from the epicenter) is called the Mercalli Scale. The Mercalli Scale goes from II to XII (2 to 12) and the rating on the Mercalli Scale in which damage starts to occur is about 6. However, if you are going by the Richter Scale, damage at the epicenter would start at about 5.0
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale is commonly used to assess earthquake damage to buildings and structures. This scale measures the intensity of shaking felt at a given location and categorizes the damage caused based on a set of criteria.
Some possible sources of error when using the Modified Mercalli Scale include subjective interpretation of the observed effects, varying building construction standards impacting damage levels, and lack of observational data in sparsely populated or remote regions. Additionally, differences in reporting methods between different assessors can introduce inconsistencies in assigning intensity levels.