How is the intensity of an Earthquake measured?

1 Answer
May 15, 2016

Well for measuring the intensity/magnitude of an earthquake we usually use Mercalli's intensity scale.

Explanation:

  • For weak earthquakes we usally use a manner in which the earthquake is felt by people as a measure.

  • The higher numbers of the scale are based on observed structural damage.

You can check the Mercalli's intensity scale here:

https://www.google.si/search?q=Mercalli+intensity+scale&rlz=1C1AVNE_enSI644SI644&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjrpYT5vNzMAhXLbRQKHe-JBM4Q_AUIBygB&biw=1600&bih=861&dpr=0.9#imgrc=AasmTp4FYtjaOM%3A

  • Who is Mercalli?

  • Giuseppe Mercalli (May 21, 1850 – ✝March 19, 1914) was an Italian* volcanologist and Catholic priest.
    He is well remembered of his Mercalli intensity scale with which we measure the intensity of earthquakes.