MEASUREMENTS OF EARTHQUAKES
You may not always feel the earth shaking, but there has
earthquakes occurring all the time. Seismographic
networks measure earthquakes by their magnitude, energy
release and intensity.
Years ago, all magnitude scales were based on the recorded
waveform lengths or the length of a seismic wave from one
peak to the next. But for very large earthquakes, some
magnitudes underestimated the true earthquake size. Now,
scientists use earthquake measurements that describe the
physical effects of an earthquake rather than
measurements based only on the height of a waveform
recording.
USGS Global Seismographic Network
PhiVolcS Earthquake Monitoring
The Institute's National Earthquake Monitoring and
Information aims to provide accurate and timely
information on significant earthquakes and tsunami events
that may significantly impact the Philippines; and to
ensure the accessibility and integrity of earthquake data.
Earthquake monitoring in the country has been enhanced
with the operation of ninety two (92) Seismic Network, ten
(10) Seismic Stations of which were commissioned in 2016.
With 64 stations in 2010, PHIVOLCS-DOST surpassed its
target of establishing an 85-station network by end of 2016.
How are earthquakes recorded?
When the Earth trembles, earthquakes spread energy
in the form of seismic waves. A seismograph is the
primary earthquake measuring instrument. The
seismograph produces a digital graphic recording of
the ground motion caused by the seismic waves. The
digital recording is called a seismogram.
A network of worldwide seismographs detects and
measures the strength and duration of the
earthquake’s waves. The seismograph produces a
digital graphic plotting of the ground motion of the
event.
How are earthquakes recorded?
Earthquakes are recorded by a seismographic network.
Each seismic station in the network measures the
movement of the ground at that site. The slip of one
block of rock over another in an earthquake releases
energy that makes the ground vibrate. That vibration
pushes the adjoining piece of ground and causes it to
vibrate, and thus the energy travels out from the
earthquake hypocenter in a wave.
EARTHQUAKE MEASUREMENTS
To get a better idea of the strength of the shaking and
damage, the Moment Magnitude Scale was developed
to capture all the different seismic waves from an
earthquake to worldwide seismic networks.
Earthquake intensity scales describe the severity of an
earthquake’s effects on the Earth's surface, humans,
and buildings at different locations in the area of the
epicenter. There can be multiple intensity
measurements. The Modified Mercalli Scale measures
the amount of shaking at a particular location.
Magnitude vs. Intensity
Magnitude is the most common measure of an earthquake's
size. It is a measure of the size of the earthquake source and is
the same number no matter where you are or what the shaking
feels like. The Richter scale is an outdated method for measuring
magnitude that is no longer used by the USGS for large,
teleseismic earthquakes. The Richter scale measures the largest
wiggle (amplitude) on the recording, but other magnitude scales
measure different parts of the earthquake. The USGS currently
reports earthquake magnitudes using the Moment Magnitude
scale, though many other magnitudes are calculated for research
and comparison purposes.
Intensity is a measure of the shaking and damage caused by the
earthquake; this value changes from location to location.
HOWISEARTHQUAKEMAGNITUDEMEASURED?
An earthquake has one magnitude unit. The magnitude
does not depend on the location where measurement
is made. Since 1970, the Moment Magnitude Scale has
been used because it supports earthquake detection all
over the Earth.
Earthquake Magnitude Scale
The Richter Scale
Moment Magnitude Scale
Earthquake Magnitude Scale
An important piece of information to keep in mind is
that the magnitude scale is logarithmic. In other
words, it is “comparing amplitudes of waves on a
seismogram, not the strength, or energy, of the
quakes,” according to USGS. This helps us understand
that while the size (amplitude) differences between
small and big quakes are big enough, it is the strength
(energy) differences that are meaningful.
The Richter Scale
From 1935 until 1970, the earthquake magnitude scale was
the Richter scale, a mathematical formula invented by
Caltech seismologist Charles Richter to compare quake
sizes.
The Richter Scale was replaced because it worked largely
for earthquakes in Southern California, and only those
occurring within about 370 miles of seismometers. In
addition, the scale was calculated for only one type of
earthquake wave. It was replaced with the Moment
Magnitude Scale, which records all the different seismic
waves from an earthquake to seismographs across the
world.
Richter's equations are still used for forecasting future
earthquakes and calculating earthquake hazards.
Moment Magnitude Scale
Today, earthquake magnitude measurement is based
on the Moment Magnitude Scale (MMS). MMS
measures the movement of rock along the fault. It
accurately measures larger earthquakes, which can last
for minutes, affect a much larger area, and cause more
damage.
The Moment Magnitude can measure the local Richter
magnitude (ML), body wave magnitude (Mb), surface
wave magnitude (Ms).
Earthquake Magnitude Classes
Earthquakes are also classified in categories ranging
from minor to great, depending on their magnitude.
What’s the difference between a light and moderate
quake?
These terms are magnitude classes. Classes also
provide earthquake measurement. The classification
starts with “minor” for magnitudes between 3.0 and
3.9, where earthquakes generally begin to be felt, and
ends with “great” for magnitudes greater than 8.0,
where significant damage is expected.
Earthquake Magnitude Classes
HOW IS EARTHQUAKE INTENSITY MEASURED?
A second way earthquakes are measured is by their
intensity. Earthquake Intensity measurement is an on-
the-ground description. The measurement explains
the severity of earthquake shaking and its effects on
people and their environment. Intensity
measurements will differ depending on each location’s
nearness to the epicenter. There can be multiple
intensity measurements as opposed to one magnitude
measurement.
The Modified Mercalli Scale
The Modified Mercalli (MM) Intensity Scale is used in
the United States. Based on Giuseppe Mercalli's
Mercalli intensity scale of 1902, the modified 1931 scale
is composed of increasing levels of intensity that range
from observable quake impacts from light shaking to
catastrophic destruction. Intensity is reported by
Roman numerals.
The Modified Mercalli Scale
The Modified Mercalli Scale
PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity
Scale (PEIS)
PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity
Scale (PEIS)
PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity
Scale (PEIS)
Destructive Earthquakes in the
Philippines
Davao del Sur Earthquake (2019 M6.9)
Cotabato Earthquakes (2019 M6.3, M6.6, M6.1, M6.5)
Itbayat, Batanes Earthquakes (2019 Mw5.4, Mw5.9, and Mw5.8)
Central Luzon Earthquake ( 2019 M6.1)
Leyte Earthquake (2017 Ms 6.5)
Surigao del Norte Earthquake (2017 Ms 6.7)
Bohol Earthquake (○2013 Ms 7.2 ○1996 Ms 5.6 ○1990 Ms 6.8)
Negros Oriental Earthquake (2012 Ms 6.7)
Masbate Earthquake (2003 Ms 6.2)
Palimbang Earthquake (2002 Ms 6.8)
Bayugan Earthquake (1999 Ms 5.1)
Mindoro Earthquake (1994 Ms 7.1)
Luzon Earthquake (1990 Ms 7.8)
Panay Earthquake (1990 Ms. 7.1)
Laoag Earthquake (1983 Ms 6.5)
Moro Gulf Earthquake (1976 Ms 7.9)
Casiguran Earthquake (1968 Ms 7.3)
Ragay Gulf Earthquake (1973 Ms 7.0)
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HIGH
MAGNITUDE QUAKE
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by
the shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. The size of an
earthquake and the energy released by an earthquake will affect
how much you feel it. Major earthquakes strike without warning,
at any time of year, day or night.
Prepare before the next big one:
Create an earthquake safety plan. Discuss with your family what
to do, where to meet if separated, and how you will communicate
when an earthquake strikes. Check work, childcare and school
emergency plans.
Practice DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON with all members of
your household.
Don’t rely on doorways for protection. During an earthquake, get
under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on until shaking stops.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HIGH
MAGNITUDE QUAKE
Pick safe places in each room of your home.
Create an emergency survival kit that provides you and
your pets with three days of nonperishable food and
water, medicines, emergency radio and first aid
materials. Keep in a reachable place.
Identify an out-of-the-area friend or relative that
family members can check in by mobile texting.
Find out if your home is in need of earthquake
retrofitting and eligible for a grant.
Identify and fix potential earthquake hazards in your
home.
RAPID EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (REDAS)
is a software developed by
PHIVOLCS in 2002 under a
DOST GIA Project. The software
can simulate earthquake hazards
such as ground shaking,
liquefaction, landslides and
tsunami. The software can also
compute earthquake impacts in
terms of physical damage,
casualties and economic loss.
RAPID EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (REDAS)
Although REDAS was originally conceived for use in
earthquake hazard and impact assessment, other
multi-hazard maps including hydrometeorological
hazards such as floods, storm surge and rain-induced
landslides are already incorporated into the software
and can likewise be displayed by users. Participants
are also taught how to develop their own exposure
database using android application. REDAS was
developed by PHIVOLCS and is now being shared to
local government units as a tool for emergency
preparedness, contingency planning and more
importantly for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction
into the local development planning process.
RAPID EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (REDAS)
REDAS also has a module on Earthquake and Tsunami
Alerting Module (ETAM) where users can obtain
earthquake information in near-real time. ETAM is
especially useful for those with Operations
Centers. Another android application is the Tool for
Seismic Intensity Reporting (ToSIR) where anyone can
report intensity reports to PHIVOLCS as they feel
it. The data allows PHIVOLCS to verify ground
shaking simulation results.
