Escala de Magnitud de Terremotos
La escala de magnitud similar a la escala de Richter mide la liberación de energía de los terremotos. Cada incremento de número entero representa aproximadamente 31,6 veces más energía.
M1
Micro
Micro earthquakes, not felt by humans.
Sentido: Not felt. Detected only by seismographs.
M2
Minor
Minor earthquakes. Felt by few people.
Sentido: Felt by people at rest, on upper floors of tall buildings.
M3
Minor
Often felt, but rarely causes damage.
Sentido: Felt by many indoors; hanging objects swing.
M4
Light
Noticeable shaking of indoor objects. Rarely causes significant damage.
Sentido: Felt by most people; dishes rattle.
Daños: Light
M5
Moderate
Can cause major damage to poorly constructed buildings.
Sentido: Causes damage to poorly built structures. Felt by everyone.
Daños: Moderate to significant
M6
Strong
Destructive in areas up to 160km from epicenter.
Sentido: Destructive to a moderate radius.
Daños: Moderate to severe
M7
Major
Causes serious damage over large areas.
Sentido: Can cause serious damage over wider areas.
Daños: Severe
M8
Great
Can cause severe damage in areas several hundred km wide.
Sentido: Major damage to structures; felt at extreme distances.
Daños: Severe over large areas
M9
Extreme
Devastating over massive areas. Rare once-per-decade events.
Sentido: Total destruction near epicenter; tsunamis generated.
Daños: Catastrophic