![]() # The original formula for a Richter Magnitude Scale is ML = log10A minus log10A0(delta), where ‘A’ equals maximum excursion of the Wood-Anderson Seismograph and the empirical A0 depicts the epicentre distance denoted as delta and measured in degrees. # The symbol used for Richter Scale is ‘ML’ where ‘L’ denotes the logarithmic power while that for Moment Magnitude Scale is ‘Mw’ with the subscript ‘w’ denoting mechanical work. # The Richter Scale records responses of seismographs and the distance from epicentre, the Moment Magnitude Scale records the physical property, i.e. # While the Richter Scale was developed as a Local Magnitude Scale for of medium-sized earthquakes in Southern California, the Moment Magnitude Scale was developed to address the shortcomings of the Richter Scale while measuring earthquakes of larger intensity. The Moment Magnitude Scale is also a logarithmic scale, with each number denoting a 30 or more powerful magnitude than the previous number. This was developed in 1979 to overcome the shortcomings of the historic Richter Scale. The MOMENT MAGNITUDE SCALE is newly devised scale for measuring the size of an earthquake vis-a-vis the energy released. It is derived from the logarithm of the amplitude of waves, recorded by a seismograph. The readings help to arrive at the level of magnitude of an earthquake, from micro and light to strong and great, though after taking into account the earthquake intensity as well. The Richter magnitude is based on a scale of 10, with the magnitudes starting from a less than 2.0 reading to a 10+ reading, though the latter has never been recorded. The RICHTER SCALE is the popular name for the Richter Magnitude or Local Magnitude Scale, in use since 1935, when Charles Richter attempted to study earthquakes in parts of California. The ‘magnitude’ of an earthquake is expressed in Arabic numerals indicating the seismic energy released. ![]() Both these scales are classified as Magnitude scales, that measure the magnitude or original force of an earthquake. The Moment Magnitude and the Richter Scales are modern seismic scales, used to measure and compare the severity of earthquakes.
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