Author Question: Why is the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale no longer the main method used for measuring the size ... (Read 65 times)

elizabeth18 · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

Why is the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale no longer the main method used for measuring the size
of earthquakes? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is earthquake intensity, how is it measured, and what factors are involved in the intensity of a
quake? What will be an ideal response?

tennis14576 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The Mercalli scale measures intensity, which is qualitative rather than quantitative. It depends on what
people see and feel. One person may make a very different interpretation of earthquake damage than
another, so it is very difficult to compare different earthquakes

Answer to Question 2

Intensity is a subjective measure of the damage done by an earthquake and peoples' reactions to it. It is
measured by the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale with values from I to XII based on damage
observed. Although the size of the earthquake affects intensity, so does distance from the epicenter,
focal depth of the quake, population density, geology of the area, building construction, and shaking
duration.