How is Mercalli Intensity measured?
The Mercalli Scale is based on observable earthquake damage. From a scientific standpoint, the magnitude scale is based on seismic records while the Mercalli is based on observable data which can be subjective.
How is Modified Mercalli Intensity measured?
It measures the effects of an earthquake at a given location, distinguished from the earthquake’s inherent force or strength as measured by seismic magnitude scales (such as the “Mw” magnitude usually reported for an earthquake).
What is the range of Mercalli scale for intensity?
between 1 to 12
– The Mercalli scale was developed by Giusseppe Mercalli. – The scale ranges between 1 to 12.
How is intensity XII described on the Mercalli scale?
The highest rating, a XII, is applied to earthquakes in which structures are destroyed, the ground is cracked and other natural disasters, such as landslides or tsunamis, are initiated.
Is the Mercalli scale still used?
Although numerousintensity scales have been developed over the last several hundred years to evaluate the effects of earthquakes, the one currently used in the United States is the Modified Mercalli (MM) Intensity Scale.
What are the 12 Modified Mercalli scale?
Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale This is a semi-quantitative scale used to evaluate ground shaking and damage. This scale is composed of 12 increasing levels of intensity based on observed effects. These range from imperceptible shaking to catastrophic destruction, designated by Roman numerals.
What is the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale used for?
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) estimates the shaking intensity from an earthquake at a specific location by considering its effects on people, objects, and buildings.
What is the difference between Richter and Mercalli scale?
While the Mercalli scale describes the intensity of an earthquake based on its observed effects, the Richter scale describes the earthquake’s magnitude by measuring the seismic waves that cause the earthquake. The two scales have different applications and measurement techniques.
What is the difference between Richter scale and Mercalli scale?
Is the Mercalli scale quantitative?
Using the Mercalli Intensity scale is the qualitative observation approach and the Richter Scale and the Moment Magnitude scale are the quantitative approach. The latter two use seismographs to interpret the amount of shaking involved – then computed to describe the amount of shaking.