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The Richter scale [1] (/ ˈ r ɪ k t ər /), also called the Richter magnitude scale, Richter's magnitude scale, and the Gutenberg–Richter scale, [2] is a measure of the strength of earthquakes, developed by Charles Richter in collaboration with Beno Gutenberg, and presented in Richter's landmark 1935 paper, where he called it the "magnitude scale". [3]
This meant that giant earthquakes such as the 1960 Chilean earthquake (M 9.5) were only assigned an M s 8.2. Caltech seismologist Hiroo Kanamori [ 47 ] recognized this deficiency and took the simple but important step of defining a magnitude based on estimates of radiated energy, M w , where the "w" stood for work (energy):
Much of an earthquake's total energy as measured by M w is dissipated as friction (resulting in heating of the crust). [52] An earthquake's potential to cause strong ground shaking depends on the comparatively small fraction of energy radiated as seismic waves, and is better measured on the energy magnitude scale, M e. [53]
Logo of the ANSS. The Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) is a collaboration of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and regional, state, and academic partners that collects and analyzes data on significant earthquakes to provide near real-time (generally within 10 to 30 minutes [1]) information to emergency responders and officials, the news media, and the public. [2]
In an earthquake, damage to buildings and infrastructure is related more closely to ground motion, of which PGA is a measure, rather than the magnitude of the earthquake itself. For moderate earthquakes, PGA is a reasonably good determinant of damage; in severe earthquakes, damage is more often correlated with peak ground velocity. [3]
According to the USGS, "ShakeMaps provide near-real-time maps of ground motion and shaking intensity following significant earthquakes. These maps are used by federal, state, and local organizations, both public and private, for post-earthquake response and recovery, public and scientific information, as well as for preparedness exercises and ...
The USGS ANSS (Advanced National Seismic System) Comprehensive Catalog (ComCat) is the authoritative and preferred source for near-realtime information about earthquakes and other seismic events (such as nuclear weapons tests) of magnitude 5.0 or greater anywhere in the world. ANSS is focused on providing accurate and timely information about ...
The National Earthquake Information Center (abbreviated NEIC) is part of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) located on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. The NEIC has three main missions: