Earthquake Intensity:

The size of an earthquake is measured by,

Qualitative measurement: direct observations of its effects on human and man made
structures, called the intensity
Quantitative measurement: using the instrumental records/data called magnitude
Intensity of an earthquake is degree of ground shaking at a particular site. It is qualitative
measurement of size of an earthquake that is obtained on the basis of field observations and
tells us about the extent of damage that might have occurred. It is expressed in roman
numerals from I to XII on twelve points scale and higher to higher intensity.

Intensity depends on following factors:

a) Size of an earthquake (or magnitude)
b) Distance from epicenter (epicentral distance)
c) Focal depth of Eq.
d) Geologic and soil conditions of the locality
e) Type of construction (including age and workmanship)
f) Expertise of the observer measuring the intensity

The earlier efforts to determine the size of an earthquake, prior to instrumental records, were
based upon personal observations of severity of the earthquake effects. Investigators found that
human reaction and characteristic pattern of damage were very similar for most earthquakes.
These effects were categorized to make comparative studies of earthquakes occurring at different
times in the same or different locations. Intensity scales were developed by grouping earthquake
effects characteristic of each scale value.
Intensity scales: A number of intensity scales have been introduced in countries having high
seismic risk. The first intensity scale was introduced in 1880s by M.S. De Rossi of Italy and
Francois Forel of Switzerland, which became very popular. Both men had devised their own
intensity scales earlier and 1883 scale resulted from their joint efforts. The Rossi-Forel (RF)
scale comprised of 10 effect descriptions each designated by Roman numeral (I, II, III, ……. IX,
X), indicating I the least amount of earthquake effect.
Mercalli updated and expanded RF scale descriptors in 1902 but the ten levels of intensity were
kept. Cancani later expanded the Mercalli scale to 12 levels. This scale was called Mercalli-
Cancani scale. It is further revised in 1923 and Seiberg published an expanded version of the
Mercalli-Cancani scale in 1923.
In 1931, Wood and Neumann, modified in the earlier scale and given a scale that suits California
conditions. This intensity scale is called Modified Mercalli (MM) Scale of 1931. It works on 12
point levels. Richter made further modifications to the MM scale and this version is called MM
scale, 1956 version. This scale is currently used by the U.S. Geological Survey. The 1956
version incorporates effects on four types of masonry buildings.
The MSK intensity scale (devised by Soviet geophysicists Medvedev, Sponheuer, and Karnik) is
more comprehensive and describes the earthquake intensity more precisely. This scale is based
on classifying the structures into three types, damage into five grades, and quantity or number
into three types. The scale was proposed for international use in 1964. This scale is used in
Soviet Union and on experimental basis in Japan. In India we use both the MM Intensity scale
and MSK Intensity scale for measuring the intensity of earthquakes.
Collection and Evaluation of Intensity Data: In order to measure the intensity at different
localities the special expeditions and field parties of experts are sent to the epicentral area or the
affected area immediately after an earthquake. The felt area may be very large and it may not be
possible to visit all the localities. In view of this the questionnaires are distributed to the public
for recording their response on the effects of earthquakes. The responses collected on felt effects
of earthquakes through questionnaires and from personal observations are evaluated by team of
experts, and intensities are assigned to various localities.
Isoseismal Maps: A map is constructed to show the variation of intensity with distance from
epicenter for a particular earthquake. The procedure is to plot the intensity values at their
respective localities on a base map. The localities having equal value of intensity are connected.
These lines are called isoseismals and the map is termed the isoseismal map. Following
observations are made from the isoseismal maps:
1. Isoseismals and size of intensity zones depend on epicentral distance.
2. Generally isoseismals are not symmetrical and this is caused due to variations of fault
geometry, local geology and soil conditions.
3. Intensity is usually higher at the epicenter and in loosely consolidated soil then in hardrock
4. Closely spaced isoseismals normally indicate a shallow focus earthquake.
Empirical Relationships: Several empirical intensity-epicenter distance relationships have been
developed and are of the following form:
I0 – I = n log(r/h) + absorption term
where, I0 = epicenter intensity; I = intensity at a distance X from the epicenter; h = focal depth; r
= epicenter distance; n = constant to be determined. The reported values of n are 3,5 and 6. The
absorption term is not considered for distances less than 100 km. Following relationship has been
developed between ground acceleration (a in cm/sec2) and intensity for California region:
Log a = I/3 – ½
Gutenberg and Richter derived following relation between the local magnitude (M) and
epicentral intensity (I0) for southern California earthquakes (where focal depths were usually
about 16 km).
M = 1 + 2I0/3
Using the world wide intensity and acceleration data following regression relationships have
been developed to compute the horizontal component of peak acceleration and horizontal
component of peak velocity:
log a = 0.30 Imm + 0.014 (IV  Imm  X)
log v = 0.25 Imm – 0.63 (IV  Imm  X)
where, a = estimated horizontal component of peak acceleration in cm/sec2, v = estimated
horizontal component of peak velocity in cm/sec, Imm = Earthquake intensity on MM scale
 MODIFIED MERCALLI INTENSITY SCALE OF 1931 (Abridged)

Intensity Description
I. Not felt except by a very few under specially favorable circumstances. (I RF Scale.)
II. Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors of buildings. Delicately suspended
objects may swing. (I to II RF Scale.)
III. Felt quite noticeably indoors, especially on upper floors of buildings, but many people do not
recognize it as an earthquake. Standing motorcars may rock slightly. Vibration like passing of
truck. Duration estimated. (III RF scale.)
IV. During the day felt indoors by many, outdoors by few. At night some awakened. Dishes,
windows, doors disturbed; walls make cracking sound. Sensation like heavy truck striking
building. Standing motorcars rocked noticeably. (IV to V RF Scale.)
V. Felt by nearly everyone, many awakened some dishes, windows, etc., broken; a few instances
of cracked plaster; unstable objects overturned. Disturbances of trees, poles, and other tall
objects sometimes noticed. Pendulum clocks may stop. (V to VI RF Scale.)
VI. Felt by all, many frightened and run outdoors. Some heavy furniture moved; a few instances of
fallen plaster or damaged chimneys. Damage slight. (VI to VII RF Scale.)
VII. Everybody runs outdoors. Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction;
slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerable in poorly built or badly
designed structures; some chimneys broken. Noticed by persons driving motorcars. (VIII RF
Scale.)
VIII. Damage slight in specially designed structures; considerable in ordinary substantial buildings
with partial collapse; great in poorly built structures. Panel walls thrown out of frame
structures. Fall of chimneys, factory stacks, columns, monuments, walls. Heavy furniture
overturned. Sand and mud ejected in small amounts. Changes in well water. Persons driving
motorcars disturbed. (VIII + to IX-RF Scale.)
IX. Damage considerable in specially designed structures; well-designed frame structures thrown
out of plumb; great in substantial buildings, with partial collapse. Buildings shifted off
foundations. Ground cracked conspicuously. (IX+ RF Scale.)
X. Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame structures with
foundations; ground badly cracked. Rails bent. Landslides considerable from riverbanks and
steep slopes. Shifted sand and mud. Water splashed (slopped) over banks. (X RF Scale.)
XI. Few, if any, (masonry) structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed. Broad fissures in
ground. Underground pipelines completely out of service. Earth slumps and land slips in soft
ground. Rails bent greatly.
XII. Damage total. Waves seen on ground surfaces. Lines of sight and level distorted. Objects
thrown upward into air.