What This Is About
A lot of people still refer to the Richter scale when talking about earthquakes, but the scientific world has moved on. In this article, I’ll explain what we really use today to measure earthquakes, how it works, and share some logic from earthscene.co, my project for tracking seismic activity.
The Confusion: “It Was a 7 on the Richter!”
You’ve probably heard someone say:
“Whoa, that was a 7 on the Richter!”
But here’s the truth: seismologists stopped using the Richter scale decades ago. It worked for small, local quakes, but it broke down fast for anything bigger or farther.
The Real Deal: Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw)
Modern science uses the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) to measure earthquake strength.
Why? Because it accounts for total energy released, not just how much the ground shakes.
Here’s how it differs:
| Feature | Richter Scale | Moment Magnitude (Mw) |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1935 | 1979 |
| Based on | Seismic wave amplitude | Energy released |
| Best for | Local, small quakes | All sizes, anywhere |
| Still used? | No (scientifically) | Yes (globally adopted) |
🔍 Think of it like this: Richter was version 1.0 — good for basics.
Mw is the upgrade — high precision, global, energy-based.
🧠 Thinking in Code: Mapping Quake Size to Impact
In earthscene.co, I map each quake’s magnitude to a human-readable impact level.
Here’s a simplified version of the logic I use in TypeScript:
function getEarthquakeImpact(magnitude: number): string {
if (magnitude < 3.0) return "Micro";
if (magnitude < 4.0) return "Minor";
if (magnitude < 5.0) return "Light";
if (magnitude < 6.0) return "Moderate";
if (magnitude < 7.0) return "Strong";
if (magnitude < 8.0) return "Major";
return "Great";
}This function powers my UI color tags, alert levels, and user summaries.
Human Understanding: The Table Version
| Magnitude (Mw) | Impact Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 – 2.9 | Micro | Barely detectable, no damage |
| 3.0 – 3.9 | Minor | Light shaking, no damage |
| 4.0 – 4.9 | Light | Windows rattle, some feel it |
| 5.0 – 5.9 | Moderate | Minor damage to weak structures |
| 6.0 – 6.9 | Strong | Serious in populated areas |
| 7.0 – 7.9 | Major | Widespread damage |
| 8.0+ | Great | Catastrophic, regional disaster |
Lessons I Learned While Building EarthScene
- People still say "Richter" even though it's outdated.
- Magnitude isn't enough — I now combine it with depth, location, and impact.
- Translating data into logic is key for real-world understanding.
What's Next?
- 3D globe for real-time visualization
- Community-sourced quake reports ("Did you feel it?")
- Historical pattern matching using AI
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Frequently Asked Questions About Earthquakes
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about earthquakes and how they're measured.
Scientists stopped using the Richter scale because it has significant limitations. It was only designed for measuring local, relatively small earthquakes in Southern California. The scale becomes inaccurate for large magnitude events (above 6.5) and for earthquakes occurring more than 600km from the measuring seismograph. The Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) provides a more accurate measurement for all earthquake sizes and locations by measuring the total energy released.
Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake and is an objective, scientific measurement calculated from seismograph readings. It's a single number for each earthquake. Intensity measures the effects experienced at a specific location and varies depending on distance from the epicenter, local geology, and building construction. Intensity is often reported using the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, which ranges from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction).
Currently, scientists cannot predict the exact time, location, and magnitude of earthquakes. While researchers can identify areas with higher probabilities of earthquakes based on fault lines and historical seismic activity, specific prediction remains impossible. Scientists can provide forecasts about the general likelihood of earthquakes in regions over long time periods, but not precise predictions for specific events. This is why early warning systems, which detect earthquakes that have already begun and provide seconds to minutes of warning before strong shaking arrives, are so important.
Earthquake depth refers to how far below the Earth's surface the seismic event originated. Depths are classified as shallow (0-70 km), intermediate (70-300 km), or deep (300-700 km). Depth matters significantly because shallow earthquakes typically cause more damage as they're closer to the surface, allowing more energy to reach structures. Deep earthquakes, though potentially higher in magnitude, often cause less surface damage because their energy dissipates more before reaching the surface. When assessing earthquake impact, combining depth information with magnitude provides a more complete picture than magnitude alone.
The epicenter of an earthquake is determined through a process called triangulation. When an earthquake occurs, seismic waves travel outward and are recorded by multiple seismographs at different locations. Scientists measure the time difference between the arrival of P-waves (primary, faster) and S-waves (secondary, slower) at each station. Since these waves travel at known speeds, the time gap indicates the distance from each station to the earthquake source. By calculating these distances from at least three stations and finding where the circles intersect on a map, scientists can pinpoint the epicenter. Modern computer systems automate this process for rapid epicenter determination.
Several factors beyond magnitude determine an earthquake's destructiveness: (1) Depth: Shallow earthquakes typically cause more damage than deep ones of equal magnitude. (2) Distance from populated areas: Earthquakes in remote regions cause less human impact. (3) Local geology: Soft sediments amplify shaking compared to bedrock. (4) Building codes and construction quality: Well-built structures withstand shaking better. (5) Duration of shaking: Longer shaking periods cause more structural fatigue. (6) Time of day: Earthquakes during busy periods may cause more casualties. (7) Secondary hazards: Tsunamis, landslides, or fires often cause more damage than the initial shaking.
To prepare for an earthquake: (1) Create an emergency plan including meeting points and communication strategies. (2) Assemble emergency kits with water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries. (3) Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls. (4) Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity. (5) Identify safe spots in each room (under sturdy tables, against interior walls). (6) Practice 'drop, cover, and hold on' drills. (7) Consider earthquake insurance. (8) Retrofit your home if needed. (9) Stay informed about local emergency protocols. (10) Keep emergency contacts and important documents readily accessible.
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"title": "Earthquakes: Science & Society",
"author": "David S. Brumbaugh",
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