Earthquake Calculator
Calculate earthquake energy release and compare magnitudes using the moment magnitude scale
Earthquake Energy Calculator
Magnitude typically ranges from 1.0 to 9.5
Energy Release Results
Effects: Can be destructive in populated areas
Formula: E = 10^(1.5M + 4.8) where M = magnitude
Energy Equivalents
Compare Two Magnitudes
Comparison Results
Magnitude 7.1 is:
20.0× larger in amplitude (seismogram readings)
89.1× stronger in energy release
Earthquake Scales
Moment Magnitude (Mw)
Most widely used scale. Based on seismic moment, measuring total energy released.
Richter Scale (ML)
Older scale based on wave amplitude. Rarely used for modern measurements.
Mercalli Scale
Measures earthquake effects and damage rather than energy release.
Historic Earthquakes
Chile 1960
Largest recorded
Alaska 1964
Good Friday
Sumatra 2004
Boxing Day Tsunami
Japan 2011
Tōhoku
Earthquake Safety
Indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy table
Outdoors: Move away from buildings, trees, and power lines
Driving: Pull over safely, avoid bridges and overpasses
Don't: Run outside, use elevators, or stand in doorways
Understanding Earthquake Magnitude and Energy
Moment Magnitude Scale
The moment magnitude scale (Mw) is the most accurate way to measure earthquake size, especially for large earthquakes. It's based on the seismic moment, which considers the area of fault rupture, the amount of slip, and rock rigidity.
Energy Calculation
The Gutenberg-Richter equation relates magnitude to energy release:
E = 10^(1.5M + 4.8)
Where E is energy in joules, M is magnitude
Magnitude Categories
Key Facts
- • Each magnitude unit increase = 10× larger amplitude and ~32× more energy
- • The largest recorded earthquake was magnitude 9.5 in Chile (1960)
- • Earthquakes occur constantly - about 500,000 detectable per year
- • Only about 100,000 can be felt, and 100 cause damage annually
- • Most damage occurs from earthquakes magnitude 6.0 and above