Mercalli scale

views updated Jun 08 2018

Mercalli scale An earthquake-intensity scale based on direct observation. Devised by G.Mercalli, it ranges from scales I (not felt) and II (felt by most people at rest) to VII (difficult for a person to remain standing), X (most structures destroyed), and XII (total devastation). It is not a reliable scale for energy release because the extent of destruction depends on the local geology, type of buildings, etc. See also Richter scale.

Mercalli scale

views updated May 08 2018

Mercalli scale An earthquake-intensity scale based on direct observation. It ranges from scales I (not felt) and II (felt by most people at rest), to VII (difficult for a person to remain standing), X (most structures destroyed), and XII (total devastation). It is not a reliable scale for energy release because the extent of destruction depends on the local geology, type of buildings, etc. See also RICHTER MAGNITUDE SCALE.

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Mercalli scale

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