How do we measure earthquakes?

LO: to understand the difference between the Richter scale and the

Mercalli scale

The Richter scale

1. Instrumental Detected only by seismographs 2. Feeble Noticed only by sensitive people. 3. Slight Resembling vibrations caused by heavy traffic. 4. Moderate Felt by people walking; rocking of free standing objects. 5. Rather strong Sleepers awakened and bells ring. 6. Strong Trees sway, some damage from overturning and falling objects. 7. Very strong General alarm, cracking of walls. 8. Destructive Chimneys fall and there is some damage to buildings. 9. Ruinous Ground begins to crack, houses begin to collapse and pipes break. 10.Disastrous Ground badly cracked and many buildings are destroyed. There are some landslides. 11.Very Disastrous Few buildings remain standing; bridges and railways destroyed; water, gas, electricity and telephones out of action. 12.Catastrophic Total destruction; objects are thrown into the air, much heaving, shaking and distortion of the ground.

The Mercalli scale

Use the descriptions on to produce a series of cartoons that show each of the categories of the Modified Mercalli Scale

What is the difference between the Richter scale and Mercalli scale?

The Richter scale: Measures the intensity fo the earthquake

The Mercalli scale: measures the damage caused by the earthquake

Prediction: As earthquakes increase in magnitude so do the number of deaths

Do you agree?

How could we test this?

Describe and explain the patternDescribe: Is there a positive or negative correlation?Are there any anomalies?- try and name them.

Explain:Why is there this pattern? (consider the level of

development- what other factors may play a part?) Refer to specific examples shown on the graph.