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 earthquake 2.Distance from epicenter 3.Nature of surface materials 4.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