Earthquake Scales

Richter vs. Mercalli

What is an earthquake?

• Earthquakes are the vibration of the earth as a result of a release of energy– Earthquakes occur along subduction zones– Earthquakes occur along faults

• Earthquakes are measured by two different scales– Richter Scale– Mercalli Scale

Mercalli Scale

• Roman numeral system to assess the intensity of an earthquake– Assesses damage to structures at specific locations

• Factors that determine the intensity rate:1. Strength of earthquake2. Distance from epicenter3. Nature of surface materials4. Building design

Richter Scale• Measures the magnitude of an earthquake on

a 10 point scale.• Measure the largest amplitude on the

seismogram– Scale goes 0-10

Bill Nye’s Advice on Earthquakes

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qbg7orb1lc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tAzHmZVxY0