MERCALLI SCALE Meaning and
Definition
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The Mercalli Scale is a seismic intensity scale used to measure the effects and impact of an earthquake on the Earth's surface. It was developed by Italian volcanologist Giuseppe Mercalli in 1902 and is also known as the Modified Mercalli Scale (MMS).
The scale measures the intensity of an earthquake by assessing the observed damage and human experiences caused by it, rather than directly measuring the earthquake's energy through instrumental means. It consists of twelve levels, ranging from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction), with specific descriptions provided for each level.
The Mercalli Scale takes into account various factors such as the extent of structural damage, the degree of shaking, and the reactions of people and animals during the earthquake. It provides a qualitative evaluation of the earthquake's impact, including the effects on buildings, infrastructure, and the general population. This information is particularly valuable for understanding the localized impact of earthquakes and assessing the vulnerability of structures and communities.
While the Mercalli Scale does not provide precise measurements like the Richter scale or moment magnitude scale, it helps in characterizing the effects of an earthquake in a meaningful way. It is often used in conjunction with instrumental measurements to provide a more comprehensive understanding of seismic events. Additionally, with advancements in technology, numerical values are sometimes assigned to Mercalli Scale ratings to allow for easier comparison and analysis of data.
Common Misspellings for MERCALLI SCALE
- nercalli scale
- kercalli scale
- jercalli scale
- mwrcalli scale
- msrcalli scale
- mdrcalli scale
- mrrcalli scale
- m4rcalli scale
- m3rcalli scale
- meecalli scale
- medcalli scale
- mefcalli scale
- metcalli scale
- me5calli scale
- me4calli scale
- merxalli scale
- mervalli scale
- merfalli scale
- merdalli scale
Etymology of MERCALLI SCALE
The word "Mercalli Scale" is named after Italian volcanologist and seismologist Giuseppe Mercalli. Dr. Mercalli developed the scale in 1902 to measure the intensity of earthquake shaking at various locations, based on observed effects and damage rather than using instrumental measurements. The scale was later refined and became widely known as the "Mercalli Scale" in honor of its creator.
