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What are the ranges of the Richter scale?
Numbers for the Richter scale range from 0 to 9, though no real upper limit exists. An earthquake whose magnitude is greater than 4.5 on this scale can cause damage to buildings and other structures; severe earthquakes have magnitudes greater than 7.
What is a 2.0 on the Richter scale?
The Richter magnitude scale, also known as the local magnitude (M) scale, assigns a number to quantify the amount of seismic energy released by an earthquake….What is the Richter Magnitude Scale?
| Richter magnitude | Description | Earthquake effect |
|---|---|---|
| < 2.0 | Micro | Micro earthquakes, not felt. |
| 2.0-2.9 | Minor | Generally not felt, but recorded. |
How bad is a 7 on the Richter scale?
Intensity 7: Very strong — Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction; slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerable damage in poorly built or badly designed structures; some chimneys broken.
What is a 7 on the Richter scale?
Major: 7 – 7.9 SUTANTA ADITYA/AFP/Getty A major earthquake registers between 7 and 7.9 on the Richter scale. There are about 20 a year worldwide and they cause very serious damage. Indonesia was hit by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake which triggered a tsunami in November of 2010.
What are the different types of Richter scale?
In order to take advantage of the growing number of globally distributed seismograph stations, new magnitude scales that are an extension of Richter’s original idea were developed. These include body wave magnitude ( Mb) and surface wave magnitude ( Ms). Each is valid for a particular frequency range and type of seismic signal.
What does the L stand for on the Richter scale?
This magnitude scale was referred to as ML, with the L standing for local. This is what was to eventually become known as the Richter magnitude. As more seismograph stations were installed around the world, it became apparent that the method developed by Richter was strictly valid only for certain frequency and distance ranges.
How big is an earthquake on the Richter scale?
Fortunately most earthquakes are extremely small. A majority of quakes register less than 3 on the Richter scale; these tremors, called micro-earthquakes, aren’t generally felt by people and are usually recorded only on local seismographs.
Which is more accurate the moment magnitude scale or the Richter scale?
# While the Richter Scale fails in consistency and accuracy for earthquakes of larger magnitudes, like say exceeding 7; the Moment magnitude Scale is capable of measuring earthquakes of larger magnitudes with accuracy. There is no upper limit to possible measures of earthquake magnitudes.