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EARTHQUAKE SCALES

Objective: SWBAT compare and contrast the three different types of earthquake scales (Richter, Mercalli, and Moment Magnitude) by completing Cornell Notes, a triple bubble map, and a worksheet.

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Pg. 35

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EARTHQUAKE SCALES

  • There are 3 main scales by which we measure earthquakes.

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  • Richter Scale
  • Moment Magnitude Scale

3. The Mercalli Scale

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RICHTER SCALE

  • Original scale for measuring the amount of ENERGY released by an earthquake.
  • Uses a seismograph to record earthquake energy.
  • Each successive number on the RICHTER scale represents an increase in seismic-wave size of a factor of 10. (exponents)

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RICHTER SCALE �(you do not need to copy in your notes)

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The Moment Magnitude Scale (MMS)

  • Used to measure the magnitude for all moderate to large earthquakes (greater than 3.5).
  • MAGNITUDE = the amount of energy released during an earthquake.
  • Better measures magnitude for large earthquakes than the Richter Scale.
  • Uses a mathematical formula to calculate the magnitude of earthquakes.

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Richter Scale vs. MMS�Measurements of Magnitude for the same earthquake

Earthquake

State

Year

Richter Scale

MMS

New Madrid

MO

1812

8.7

8.1

San Francisco

CA

1906

8.3

7.7

Prince William

AK

1964

8.4

9.2

Northridge

CA

1994

6.4

6.7

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MERCALLI SCALE

  • Measures the INTENSITY of the earthquake.
  • INTENSITY = the amount of damage inflicted on the earth’s surface by the earthquake.

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Triple Bubble Map: Earthquakes Scales

  • Draw a triple bubble map that compares and contrasts the three types of earthquake scales. (Mercalli, MMS, Richter)

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Summary for Earthquakes Scales notes and triple bubble map