TSV
Earthquake Magnitude Scale Classification - TSV
Earthquake magnitude classification is a system based on magnitude values that quantify the energy released by earthquakes. Originating from the Richter scale (ML), the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) is now widely used as the international standard. Magnitude uses a logarithmic scale where each whole number increase represents approximately 32 times more energy release. It is an essential indicator for objectively comparing and evaluating earthquake sizes, from micro earthquakes to great earthquakes.
earthquake
magnitude
Richter scale
moment magnitude
hypocenter
JMA
USGS
seismology
code slug name description effects energyRatio
M1 magnitude-1 Magnitude 1.0 Extremely small earthquakes generally not felt by humans. Not felt by humans 1
M2 magnitude-2 Magnitude 2.0 Small earthquakes that may be slightly felt in quiet locations. May be slightly felt in quiet locations 32
M3 magnitude-3 Magnitude 3.0 Minor earthquakes that may be felt by people indoors. Felt by people indoors, slight vibration of window glass 1,000
M4 magnitude-4 Magnitude 4.0 Light earthquakes felt by many people; may cause minor damage. Felt by many people, unstable objects may fall 32,000
M5 magnitude-5 Magnitude 5.0 Moderate earthquakes that can cause damage to buildings. Damage to poorly constructed buildings, furniture may overturn 1,000,000
M6 magnitude-6 Magnitude 6.0 Strong earthquakes causing damage to buildings over a wide area. Building damage within ~100 km area, strong shaking lasts ~10 seconds 32,000,000
M7 magnitude-7 Magnitude 7.0 Major earthquakes causing serious damage over large areas. Serious damage over large areas, building collapse, tsunami risk 1,000,000,000
M8 magnitude-8 Magnitude 8.0 Great earthquakes causing catastrophic damage over hundreds of kilometers. Catastrophic damage over hundreds of km, strong shaking ~1 minute, large tsunamis 32,000,000,000
M9 magnitude-9 Magnitude 9.0 and above Extremely rare mega-earthquakes causing devastating damage over 1000+ km. Devastating damage over 1000+ km, strong shaking ~3 minutes, massive tsunamis 1,000,000,000,000