Earthquakes are one of the devastating angry outbursts of nature. These earth quakes happen due to the tectonic displacement of the earth’s core. Even after so much advancement in Technology, human race is still nowhere in capacity to stop these quakes.
However, we are now able to measure the intensity of the quakes. Quakes are now observed by the seismograph and measured by Richter scale using the amount of energy released on the scale.
Note: Richter scale is measured on the scaling of 30. (i.e 2 point magnitude on Richter scale is 30 times more strong that 1- point on the scale.)
Here is the scale:
|
Less than 2.0 |
Micro |
Micro earthquakes, not felt, or felt rarely by sensitive people. Recorded by seismographs. |
|
2.0–2.9 |
Minor |
Felt slightly by some people. No damage to buildings. |
|
3.0–3.9 |
Often felt by people, but very rarely causes damage. Shaking of indoor objects can be noticeable. | |
|
4.0–4.9 |
Light |
Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling noises. Felt by most people in the affected area. Slightly felt outside. Generally causes none to minimal damage. Moderate to significant damage very unlikely. Some objects may fall off shelves or be knocked over. |
|
5.0–5.9 |
Moderate |
Can cause damage of varying severity to poorly constructed buildings. At most, none to slight damage to all other buildings. Felt by everyone. |
|
6.0–6.9 |
Strong |
Damage to a moderate number of well-built structures in populated areas. Earthquake-resistant structures survive with slight to moderate damage. Poorly designed structures receive moderate to severe damage. Felt in wider areas; up to hundreds of miles/kilometers from the epicenter. Strong to violent shaking in epicentral area. |
|
7.0–7.9 |
Major |
Causes damage to most buildings, some to partially or completely collapse or receive severe damage. Well-designed structures are likely to receive damage. Felt across great distances with major damage mostly limited to 250 km from epicenter. |
|
8.0–8.9 |
Great |
Major damage to buildings, structures likely to be destroyed. Will cause moderate to heavy damage to sturdy or earthquake-resistant buildings. Damaging in large areas. Felt in extremely large regions. |
|
9.0 and greater |
Near or at total destruction – severe damage or collapse to all buildings. Heavy damage and shaking extends to distant locations. Permanent changes in ground topography. |
