Measuring an

Earthquake
By:
Francis Leel U. Lazaga
Kian Zydric B. Pagayon
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is what happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one
another. The surface where they slip is called the fault or fault plane.
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is what happens when two
blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one
another. The surface where they slip is called
the fault or fault plane.
Measuring an earthquake
involves determining its
magnitude and intensity.

There are several methods and

scales used for this purpose:
Magnitude

This measures the energy released at the

source of the earthquake. The most
commonly used scale for measuring
magnitude is the Richter scale, although
the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) is
increasingly favored by seismologists
because it provides a more accurate
measurement for larger earthquakes.
Magnitude is typically measured using
seismographs, which record the seismic
waves produced by the earthquake.
Intensity

This measures the effects of an earthquake at a

particular location, including the damage
caused and how strongly the shaking was felt.
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale
is commonly used for this purpose. Intensity is
assessed through field surveys, interviews with
witnesses, and analysis of damage reports.
Seismologists use data
collected from seismographs
and reports from affected
areas to determine both the
magnitude and intensity of
an earthquake. These
measurements help in
assessing the earthquake's
impact, understanding its
characteristics, and aiding in
disaster response and
mitigation efforts