How is earthquake measured?
Earthquakes are recorded by a seismographic network. Each seismic station in the network measures the movement of the ground at that site. The Richter scale measures the largest wiggle (amplitude) on the recording, but other magnitude scales measure different parts of the earthquake.
How earthquake are detected and observed?
Earthquakes are measured using instruments called seismometers, that detect the vibrations caused by seismic waves as they travel through the crust. Seismic waves can be both natural (from earthquakes) or caused by human activity (explosions).
Why are there two systems for evaluating earthquakes?
There are two main ways to measure earthquakes. The first of these is an estimate of the energy released, and the value is referred to as magnitude. The other way of assessing the impact of an earthquake is to assess what people felt and how much damage was done.
What are two ways that earthquakes are measured?
There are two ways in which scientists quantify the size of earthquakes: magnitude and intensity. You have probably heard of the Richter scale which is still used for small earthquakes, but most large earthquakes are now commonly reported using the moment magnitude scale (see below).
What is good about the Richter scale?
The Richter scale calculates an earthquake’s magnitude (size) from the amplitude of the earthquake’s largest seismic wave recorded by a seismograph. (That is, an earthquake measuring 5.0 releases 31 times more energy than an earthquake measuring 4.0.)
Is it safe to stay in bed during an earthquake?
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures, or furniture. If you’re in bed when the earthquake strikes, stay there. If you are under a heavy light fixture or window, move to the nearest safe place like under a desk or in the corner.
Where is the safest place in the house during an earthquake?
In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house, and the doorway does not protect you from the most likely source of injury- falling or flying objects. You also may not be able to brace yourself in the door during strong shaking. You are safer under a table.
What is the safest place in your house during an earthquake?
You are safer under a table. In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. Doorways do not protect you from the most likely source of injury − falling or flying objects.
Do and don’ts during earthquake?
DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture). Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes.
Why does the ground shake during an earthquake?
When the plates are stuck together and friction is high, the energy is stored. When the plates disconnect and release, the stored energy is released. That energy is released outward from the fault line in seismic waves. These waves of energy move through the Earth’s surface and cause it to shake.