Richter Scale

Richter Scale

Measures the size of magnitude of an earthquake on a scale from 1-10

seismograph

instrument for recording the intensity of the movements

Charles Richter

American geophysicist who devised the scale

0-1 scale

generally not felt but recorded on seismometers

2-3

felt by many people but no noticeable damage

4-5 scale

some slight damage; can be felt within 20 miles epicenter

6 scale

fairly destructive; noticeable damage to some structures

7 scale

a major earthquake with widespread destruction; everyone aware and affected

8 scale

a very destructive earthquake with widespread, extensive damage to many buildings; all buildings and people affected

9 scale

a massively destructive earthquake with severe damage to all infrastructure; great loss often caused by the quake, fires, and floods