GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In the United States, we use the Modified Mercalli (MMI) Scale. The Mercalli Scale is based on observable earthquake damage. From a scientific standpoint, the magnitude scale is based on seismic records while the Mercalli is based on observable data which can be subjective.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Modified Mercalli scale measures the earthquake’s effect on people, property and ground damage. Roman numerals are used to rate the intensity and damage. An earthquake may have a different intensity rating at different locations. Damage is usually lessened with distance from the earthquake’s epicenter.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Richter Scale It used a formula based on the amplitude of the largest wave recorded on a specific type of seismometer and the distance between the earthquake and the seismometer.

Detailed explanation-4: -Richter Scale. While the Mercalli scale describes the intensity of an earthquake based on its observed effects, the Richter scale describes the earthquake’s magnitude by measuring the seismic waves that cause the earthquake. The two scales have different applications and measurement techniques.