Moment Magnitude scale
The Moment Magnitude scale is a modern method used to measure the size of earthquakes. It quantifies the energy released at the source of the earthquake, providing a more accurate representation of its magnitude compared to older scales like the Richter scale. This scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase on the scale represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude and approximately 31.6 times more energy release.
Developed in the late 20th century, the Moment Magnitude scale has become the standard for measuring large earthquakes. It is particularly useful for assessing seismic events that occur in distant or complex geological settings, ensuring that scientists can effectively communicate the severity of an earthquake to the public and emergency responders.