Learn how the Richter scale measures magnitude and the Mercalli scale measures intensity of an earthquake
The Richter scale measures the magnitude of earthquakes, and the Mercalli scale measures their intensity.
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Strong earthquake shakes central Japan, shattering store windows and injuring at least 22
• Nov. 8, 2026, 2:23 AM ET (AP)
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• Oct. 23, 2026, 1:25 AM ET (AP)
Transcript
[Music in]
NARRATOR: Measurements on the Richter scale are based on wave amplitude and degree of ground motion. The Richter scale is open-ended. It is also logarithmic, which means an increase of one magnitude corresponds to a tenfold increase in wave amplitude. The Richter scale also provides an estimate of energy in an earthquake. For each increase of one in magnitude, there is about a 30-fold increase in the amount of energy released.
Another scale measures the intensity, or the effects, of an earthquake on a particular place. The Modified Mercalli intensity scale is a subjective evaluation based on observations by people. At level VIII, for example, walls, chimneys, and columns tumble, and there is considerable damage to ordinary buildings, with partial collapse. At intensity IX, well-designed frame structures are damaged, and partial collapse takes place. Buildings are shifted off their foundations. At level X, wide cracks appear in pavement. Underground pipes rupture and leak; sidewalks break and buckle; most masonry and frame structure are heavily damaged or destroyed, along with their foundations. At intensity XI, dams are ruptured, and bridge pillars can be so badly damaged that they may collapse. Intensities on the Modified Mercalli scale are expressed in Roman numerals, beginning at intensity I and continuing through level XII, which is total destruction.
[Music out]
NARRATOR: Measurements on the Richter scale are based on wave amplitude and degree of ground motion. The Richter scale is open-ended. It is also logarithmic, which means an increase of one magnitude corresponds to a tenfold increase in wave amplitude. The Richter scale also provides an estimate of energy in an earthquake. For each increase of one in magnitude, there is about a 30-fold increase in the amount of energy released.
Another scale measures the intensity, or the effects, of an earthquake on a particular place. The Modified Mercalli intensity scale is a subjective evaluation based on observations by people. At level VIII, for example, walls, chimneys, and columns tumble, and there is considerable damage to ordinary buildings, with partial collapse. At intensity IX, well-designed frame structures are damaged, and partial collapse takes place. Buildings are shifted off their foundations. At level X, wide cracks appear in pavement. Underground pipes rupture and leak; sidewalks break and buckle; most masonry and frame structure are heavily damaged or destroyed, along with their foundations. At intensity XI, dams are ruptured, and bridge pillars can be so badly damaged that they may collapse. Intensities on the Modified Mercalli scale are expressed in Roman numerals, beginning at intensity I and continuing through level XII, which is total destruction.
[Music out]
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