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In order to answer this question, we're going to have to explain a little bit about earthquake measurement.
One thing right off: scientists haven't actually used the Richter scale seriously for decades. The numbers that you see on the news are really the moment magnitude of the earthquake. However, the term has become ingrained in popular culture, and a lot of non-scientists still say "Richter scale" even though it's technically not the same thing (the numbers usually arepretty similar, though, for all but the biggest and smallest quakes).
A bigger problem is that what the moment magnitude describes is how much energy was released by the earthquake. How it feelsis a different scale altogether; the most common one is called the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, and it uses Roman numerals ranging from I (noticed by almost no one) up to XII (obvious to everyone, since it means total destruction of masonry structures). Most people indoors would start to notice an earthquake at an intensity of somewhere between III and IV.
The MMI measurement is dependent on where the observer is relative to the earthquake, obviously; an earthquake in San Francisco that has an intensity of XII there will be all but undetectable in London without a seismograph.
That said, we can make some estimates.
Anything with a moment magnitude under 3 usually corresponds to an intensity of I and is going to be require instruments to detect even for people who are more or less right on top of it.
A moment magnitude of 4 generally means a maximum intensity of IV and will be felt by many people near the epicenter, particularly if they're inside.
A moment magnitude of 5 or higher will be felt by nearly everyone nearby.
What else can I help you with?
What are the differences between rossi-forel and ritcher scale?
The Rossi-Forel scale measures the intensity of earthquakes based on observed effects on people, buildings, and the environment, ranging from I (not felt) to X (widespread destruction). The Richter scale measures the magnitude of earthquakes based on the energy released by the quake, using a logarithmic scale with each whole number increase representing a tenfold increase in amplitude of seismic waves.
An earthquake that was rated 3 on the Richter scale would be?
An earthquake that was rated 3 on the Richter scale would beignored
How bad is a 6.0 earthquake on the Richter scale?
A 6.0 earthquake as measured by the Richter scale is considered a "strong" earthquake. This means that earthquake resistant structures may survive the quake, but not necessarily other structures. The quake may be felt hundreds of miles from the epicenter, and there are around 100 to 150 6.0 quakes per year.
What scale is used to measure earthquakes?
The absolute magnitude of a quake is conventionally reported by numbers on the Moment magnitude scale (formerly Richter scale, magnitude 7 causing serious damage over large areas), whereas the felt magnitude is reported using the modified Mercalli intensity scale (intensity II-XII).
What is the scale used to measure earthquakes?
The absolute magnitude of a quake is conventionally reported by numbers on the Moment magnitude scale (formerly Richter scale, magnitude 7 causing serious damage over large areas), whereas the felt magnitude is reported using the modified Mercalli intensity scale (intensity II-XII).
How big is a 5.0 earthquake?
A 5.0 earthquake is considered moderate in size on the Richter scale. It can cause damage to buildings and structures in populated areas, depending on the proximity to the epicenter and the local geology. The shaking intensity may be felt by people indoors and outdoors.
What is the used to measure earthquakes?
The absolute magnitude of a quake is conventionally reported by numbers on the Moment magnitude scale (formerly Richter scale, magnitude 7 causing serious damage over large areas), whereas the felt magnitude is reported using the modified Mercalli intensity scale (intensity II-XII).
What rated 2 on the Richter scale would be what?
Often felt, but rarely causes damage 49.000 of those occur per year. (aprox)
What is the highest and lowest number on the Richter scale?
The lowest number on the Ritcher scale is a 1.0. A 1.0 is generally not felt at all. The highest number is a 10 on the Ritcher scale.
Compare and contrast the Richter and Mercalli scale?
The Richter scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake based on the energy released at the source, while the Mercalli scale measures the intensity of shaking felt at a specific location. The Richter scale provides a single numerical value for an earthquake, whereas the Mercalli scale uses a descriptive scale from I to XII to quantify the effects of an earthquake on people, buildings, and the environment.
What is micro earthquake?
A micro earthquake is a very low magnitude earthquake that is usually not felt by people. These earthquakes typically range from magnitude 2.0 to 2.9 on the Richter scale. They are often detected only by seismographs.
What numerical scale expresses the magnitude of earthquakes?
The Richter Magnitude Scale often shortened to Richter scale represents a number to quantify the energy released during an earthquake on a logarithmic scale.Earthquakes with magnitude less than 2.0 are generally not felt by people but only registered by sensitive machines.Earthquakes at the 9.0 and greater range cause severe damage or collapse to all buildings in the area.
