Intensity Scales
Intensity scales are systems used to measure the strength or severity of various phenomena, such as earthquakes or storms. For example, the Richter scale quantifies the magnitude of earthquakes, while the Beaufort scale assesses wind speed and its effects on the environment. These scales provide a standardized way to communicate the intensity of these events to the public and authorities.
Different intensity scales often use numerical values or descriptive categories to convey information. For instance, the Mercalli Intensity Scale rates earthquake effects based on human observations and structural damage, ranging from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction). This helps in understanding the impact of such events on communities.