Échelle de Magnitude des Séismes
L'échelle de magnitude similaire à Richter mesure la libération d'énergie des séismes. Chaque augmentation d'un nombre entier représente environ 31,6 fois plus d'énergie.
M1
Micro
Micro earthquakes, not felt by humans.
Ressenti : Not felt. Detected only by seismographs.
M2
Minor
Minor earthquakes. Felt by few people.
Ressenti : Felt by people at rest, on upper floors of tall buildings.
M3
Minor
Often felt, but rarely causes damage.
Ressenti : Felt by many indoors; hanging objects swing.
M4
Light
Noticeable shaking of indoor objects. Rarely causes significant damage.
Ressenti : Felt by most people; dishes rattle.
Dommages : Light
M5
Moderate
Can cause major damage to poorly constructed buildings.
Ressenti : Causes damage to poorly built structures. Felt by everyone.
Dommages : Moderate to significant
M6
Strong
Destructive in areas up to 160km from epicenter.
Ressenti : Destructive to a moderate radius.
Dommages : Moderate to severe
M7
Major
Causes serious damage over large areas.
Ressenti : Can cause serious damage over wider areas.
Dommages : Severe
M8
Great
Can cause severe damage in areas several hundred km wide.
Ressenti : Major damage to structures; felt at extreme distances.
Dommages : Severe over large areas
M9
Extreme
Devastating over massive areas. Rare once-per-decade events.
Ressenti : Total destruction near epicenter; tsunamis generated.
Dommages : Catastrophic