Professional earthquake magnitude query and science education platform to help you understand earthquake levels, intensity standards and related safety knowledge
Level | Magnitude | Intensity | Description | Effects |
---|---|---|---|---|
Microquake | 0-2.9 | I-II | Usually not felt, only recorded by seismographs | Not feltInstrumentalNo damage |
Minor | 3.0-3.9 | III | Felt by few people indoors, hanging objects sway slightly | Slightly feltHanging objects swayNo damage |
Light | 4.0-4.9 | IV-V | Felt by most people indoors, few outdoors, dishes rattle | Clearly feltDishes rattleMinor damage |
Moderate | 5.0-5.9 | VI-VII | Felt by most people indoors and outdoors, some panic, dishes fall | Strongly feltDishes fallLocal damage |
Strong | 6.0-6.9 | VII-VIII | People have difficulty standing, animals flee, objects fall, simple shelters damaged | Difficulty standingObjects fallBuilding damage |
Major | 7.0-7.9 | VIII-IX | People can hardly stand, buildings destroyed, ground cracks, landslides | Hard to standBuildings destroyedGround cracks |
Great | 8.0+ | IX+ | Devastating earthquakes causing massive destruction and casualties | Devastating damageMassive casualtiesLandscape changes |