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Earthquakes are currently measured using the Moment Magnitude Scale, which quantifies the size of seismic waves, with each step being ten times greater than the previous. The damage caused by an earthquake is assessed using the Mercalli Scale, which varies based on the location relative to the epicenter. This scale indicates that damage is typically more severe closer to the epicenter.

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Denise Colquhoon
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2 views1 page

Notes

Earthquakes are currently measured using the Moment Magnitude Scale, which quantifies the size of seismic waves, with each step being ten times greater than the previous. The damage caused by an earthquake is assessed using the Mercalli Scale, which varies based on the location relative to the epicenter. This scale indicates that damage is typically more severe closer to the epicenter.

Uploaded by

Denise Colquhoon
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Measuring an Earthquake Measuring an Earthquake

In the past, the Richter scale was used to measure the In the past, the Richter scale was used to measure the
power of earthquakes. Earthquakes are now measured power of earthquakes. Earthquakes are now measured
using the Moment Magnitude Scale (or simply using the Moment Magnitude Scale (or simply
Magnitude scale). This measures the size of the Magnitude scale). This measures the size of the
seismic waves during the earthquake. Each step in the seismic waves during the earthquake. Each step in the
scale is ten times greater than the previous number. scale is ten times greater than the previous number.

The amount of damage caused by an earthquake is The amount of damage caused by an earthquake is
measured by the Mercalli Scale. This is a measure of measured by the Mercalli Scale. This is a measure of
intensity, and changes according to which area you are intensity, and changes according to which area you are
measuring - damage nearer the epicenter would usually measuring - damage nearer the epicenter would usually
be greater than further away. be greater than further away.

Measuring an Earthquake Measuring an Earthquake

In the past, the Richter scale was used to measure the In the past, the Richter scale was used to measure the
power of earthquakes. Earthquakes are now measured power of earthquakes. Earthquakes are now measured
using the Moment Magnitude Scale (or simply using the Moment Magnitude Scale (or simply
Magnitude scale). This measures the size of the Magnitude scale). This measures the size of the
seismic waves during the earthquake. Each step in the seismic waves during the earthquake. Each step in the
scale is ten times greater than the previous number. scale is ten times greater than the previous number.

The amount of damage caused by an earthquake is The amount of damage caused by an earthquake is
measured by the Mercalli Scale. This is a measure of measured by the Mercalli Scale. This is a measure of
intensity, and changes according to which area you are intensity, and changes according to which area you are
measuring - damage nearer the epicenter would usually measuring - damage nearer the epicenter would usually
be greater than further away. be greater than further away.

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