Question

To measure the strength of an earthquake, you can use either a _____ scale or _____ scale.

Answer 1

To measure the strength of an earthquake, you can use either a Richter scale or Mercalli scale. Richter scale uses the amplitued of the wave and the distance from the source. Mercalli scale uses observations of people and is not considered to be scientific as Richter scale.

Answer 2

Earthquakes are measured with the Richter Magnitude Scale developed by Charles F. Richter of California Institute of Technology in 1935. Here is a summary of the Richter scale:

Magnitude less than 3.5: Generally not felt, but recorded.

Magnitude 3.5-5.4: Often felt, but rarely causes damage.

Magnitude under 6.0: At most slight damage to well-designed buildings over small regions.

Magnitude 6.1-6.9: Can be destructive in areas up to 100 kilometers across where people live.

Magnitude 7.0-7.9: Major earthquake. Can cause serious damage over larger areas.

Magnitude 8 or greater: Great earthquake. Can cause serious damage in areas several hundred kilometers across.

Earthquakes are also measured by the Mercalli Intensity Scale which is a longer, more detailed scale. Both the Richter Scale and the Mercalli Scale can be seen on the U.S. Geological Survey website.