GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Because of the limitations of all three magnitude scales (ML, Mb, and Ms), a new more uniformly applicable extension of the magnitude scale, known as moment magnitude, or Mw, was developed. In particular, for very large earthquakes, moment magnitude gives the most reliable estimate of earthquake size.

Detailed explanation-2: -Moment magnitude estimates are about the same as Richter magnitudes for small to large earthquakes. But only the moment magnitude scale is capable of measuring M8 (read “magnitude 8") and greater events accurately.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Richter scale measures the largest wiggle (amplitude) on the recording, but other magnitude scales measure different parts of the earthquake.

Detailed explanation-4: -The main reason why the moment magnitude scale is the most reliable method of calculating the relative size of large earthquakes is that its underlying calculation process avoids the problem of magnitude saturation, because it is based on measurements of an earthquake’s total energy.

Detailed explanation-5: -Moment Magnitude is more effective for large earthquakes Moment Magnitude uses more variables to calculate the energy released using seismic moment. Seismic moment combines the seismic energy with offset on the fault and rigidity of rock. Noodles can be used to teach relative magnitude.