Earthquake Magnitude Scale

Since we are in a time of Earth changes I thought it might be helpful to post a scale to help us all remember the severity of earthquakes as they occur.

Magnitude Earthquake

9.0M or greater
Megathrust
Can totally destroy communities near the epicenter.

Examples:
• 1964 Alaska earthquake 9.2M
Megathrust
• 2004 Indian Ocean 9.1

8.0M or greater
Great earthquake.

Example:
• 2010 Chile 8.8M
Also considered by some a MegaThrust.

7.0 to 7.9M
Major earthquake.
Can cause serious damage.

Example:
• 1950 Costa Rica (Nicoya Pennensula) 7.7M

6.1 to 6.9M
May cause a lot of damage in populated areas.

5.5 to 6.0M
Slight damage to buildings.

2.5 to 5.4M
Often felt but w/minor damage.

2.5M or less
Usually not felt, but may be recorded.

Sources: UPSeis, Wikipedia, MSNBC.