Magnitude is measure of the strength of an earthquake or strain energy released by it, as determined by seismographic observations. This is a logarithmic value originally defined by Charles Richter (1935). An increase of one unit of magnitude (for example, from 4.6 to 5.6) represents a 10-fold increase in wave amplitude on a seismogram or approximately a 30-fold increase in the energy released. In other words, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake releases over 900 times (30 times 30) the energy of a 4.7 earthquake - or it takes about 900 magnitude 4.7 earthquakes to equal the energy released in a single 6.7 earthquake! There is no beginning nor end to this scale. However, rock mechanics seems to preclude earthquakes smaller than about -1 or larger than about 9.5. A magnitude -1.0 event release about 900 times less energy than a magnitude 1.0 quake. Except in special circumstances, earthquakes below magnitude 2.5 are not generally felt by humans.
Magnitude |
Effects |
Number per year |
less than 2 |
Not felt by humans. Recorded by instruments only. |
Numerous |
2-3 |
Felt only by the most sensitive. Suspended objects swing |
300,000 |
3-4 |
Felt by some people. Vibration like a passing heavy vehicle |
49,000 |
4-5 |
Felt by most people. Hanging objects swing. Dishes and windows rattle and may break |
6,200 |
5-6 |
Felt by all; people frightened. Chimneys topple; furniture moves |
800 |
6-7 |
Some panic. Buildings may suffer substantial damage |
120 |
7-8 |
Widespread panic. Few buildings remain standing. Large landslides; fissures in ground |
18 |
8-9 |
Ground waves, devastation |
1 |
9 and over |
Complete devastation |
About every 20-40 years |