💾 Archived View for federal.cx › earthquake.gmi captured on 2024-05-12 at 15:30:10. Gemini links have been rewritten to link to archived content
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Earthquake Magnitude Scale Magnitude Earthquake Effects Number/year(est.) 2.5 or less Usually not felt, but can be recorded by seismograph. 900,000 2.5 to 5.4 Often felt, but only causes minor damage. 30,000 5.5 to 6.0 Slight damage to buildings and other structures. 500 6.1 to 6.9 May cause a lot of damage in very populated areas. 100 7.0 to 7.9 Major earthquake. Serious damage. 20 8.0 or greater Great earthquake. Total destruction near epicenter. One every 5 to 10 years Earthquake Magnitude Classes Earthquakes are also classified in categories ranging from minor to great. Class Magnitude Great 8 or more Major 7 - 7.9 Strong 6 - 6.9 Moderate 5 - 5.9 Light 4 - 4.9 Minor 3 - 3.9
(GMT, m > 1.7, 60sec)
05/12 19:17:32 1.81ml 7 km SSE of Volcano, Hawaii (19.3723 -155.2170)
05/12 19:11:59 4.40mb 76 km NNE of Puerto Ocopa, Peru (-10.5582 -73.9410)
05/12 19:03:59 4.55mw 6 km WNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.3762 -115.2503)
05/12 18:56:15 2.79ml 8 km NNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4232 -115.2278)
05/12 18:53:40 3.56ml 8 km NNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4250 -115.2162)
05/12 18:51:16 2.51ml 8 km NNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4200 -115.2127)
05/12 18:49:46 2.67ml 2 km SW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.3448 -115.2080)
05/12 18:48:03 3.13ml 7 km NNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4168 -115.2110)
05/12 18:47:39 1.71ml 12 km W of Grapevine, CA (34.9367 -119.0557)
05/12 18:45:00 3.59mlr 10 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4263 -115.2635)
05/12 18:43:19 5.90mww Kermadec Islands region (-31.5141 -178.4506)
05/12 18:42:03 3.50ml 9 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4185 -115.2558)
05/12 18:40:15 2.59ml 11 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4200 -115.2857)
05/12 18:38:53 2.56ml 8 km NNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4253 -115.2280)
05/12 18:35:35 3.46ml 6 km W of Delta, B.C., MX (32.3628 -115.2528)
05/12 18:33:44 4.11mw 9 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4202 -115.2542)
05/12 18:32:42 3.16ml 10 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4173 -115.2752)
05/12 18:31:00 3.18ml 7 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4003 -115.2385)
05/12 18:28:02 3.29ml 8 km WNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.3937 -115.2662)
05/12 18:25:28 3.72mlr 11 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4195 -115.2800)
05/12 18:22:42 4.86mw 9 km NNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4253 -115.2412)
05/12 18:07:57 1.80ml 21 km WSW of Hawthorne, Nevada (38.4387 -118.8464)
05/12 18:05:50 2.68ml 5 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.3815 -115.2398)
05/12 17:55:28 1.73ml 9 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4192 -115.2500)
05/12 17:52:56 2.38ml 9 km NNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4228 -115.2412)
05/12 17:46:58 3.95md 58 km NE of Miches, Dominican Republic (19.3656 -68.6663)
05/12 17:43:49 2.87ml 9 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4222 -115.2475)
05/12 17:42:57 2.16ml 10 km NNW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4278 -115.2465)
05/12 17:40:47 1.90ml 9 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4130 -115.2657)
05/12 17:26:26 2.47ml 8 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4162 -115.2440)
05/12 17:24:04 3.25ml 9 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4175 -115.2463)
05/12 17:21:14 1.74ml 7 km NW of Barstow, CA (34.9485 -117.0727)
05/12 17:05:24 2.15ml 11 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4313 -115.2635)
05/12 17:03:56 2.43md 18 km W of Wilkerson, CA (37.2262 -118.5840)
05/12 16:37:10 4.20mb 23 km SSE of Onagawa Chō, Japan (38.2590 141.5672)
05/12 16:35:07 2.35ml 9 km NW of Delta, B.C., MX (32.4203 -115.2547)
05/12 16:29:01 3.37md 72 km NNW of Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands (18.9617 -65.1612)
05/12 16:08:41 2.18md 12 km SE of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.1385 -155.3848)
05/12 16:05:16 1.77ml 15 km NNW of Snoqualmie Pass, Washington (47.5265 -121.4547)
05/12 15:54:36 3.84md 50 km SE of Boca de Yuma, Dominican Republic (18.0280 -68.3085)
05/12 15:05:51 2.08md 4 km S of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.1623 -155.4813)
05/12 14:39:40 2.17ml 13 km W of Delta, B.C., MX (32.3460 -115.3270)
05/12 13:19:42 3.22md 7 km SSW of La Playa, Puerto Rico (18.2220 -67.2170)
05/12 12:33:55 1.99md 5 km S of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.1555 -155.4805)
05/12 12:24:54 2.10ml 41 km WNW of Toyah, Texas (31.5190 -104.1650)
05/12 12:22:45 2.37ml 3 km SSW of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.1742 -155.4912)
05/12 12:22:18 2.36ml 10 km E of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.2053 -155.3743)
05/12 11:39:14 6.40mww 17 km WSW of Brisas Barra de Suchiate, Mexico (14.4518 -92.3630)
05/12 11:15:47 1.80ml 32 km SSW of Petersville, Alaska (62.2415 -151.0619)
05/12 11:02:26 4.80mb 20 km S of Klyuchi, Russia (56.1386 160.8429)
05/12 10:23:41 3.10ml 55 km NW of Toyah, Texas (31.6760 -104.1940)
05/12 10:19:07 4.90mb 65 km NNW of Dibulla, Colombia (11.8358 -73.4869)
05/12 10:14:57 3.70ml 28 km WSW of Salamatof, Alaska (60.5171 -151.8033)
05/12 10:12:44 1.90ml 60 km ESE of Egegik, Alaska (57.9924 -156.4441)
05/12 09:58:16 4.50mb 265 km N of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (17.6135 145.8599)
05/12 09:55:27 4.50mb 156 km WSW of Emiliano Zapata, Mexico (18.6722 -106.2447)
05/12 08:58:46 1.72ml 8 km SSE of Volcano, Hawaii (19.3725 -155.2142)
05/12 08:54:12 1.92ml 7 km SSE of Volcano, Hawaii (19.3793 -155.2107)
05/12 08:52:16 2.09ml 8 km SSE of Volcano, Hawaii (19.3702 -155.2135)
05/12 08:50:40 1.83ml 6 km SSE of Volcano, Hawaii (19.3840 -155.2135)
05/12 07:50:57 1.72ml 16 km NE of Stanley, Idaho (44.3343 -114.8067)
05/12 07:05:40 4.30mb Kuril Islands (47.9935 153.2323)
05/12 07:01:40 2.63ml 23 km E of Little Lake, CA (35.9607 -117.6562)
05/12 06:39:37 1.80ml 28 km NW of Petersville, Alaska (62.6448 -151.2235)
05/12 06:31:50 4.90mb Kermadec Islands region (-28.3576 -179.7609)
05/12 06:28:16 1.96ml 5 km NE of Westmorland, CA (33.0612 -115.5810)
05/12 06:27:14 2.28ml 5 km NE of Westmorland, CA (33.0638 -115.5827)
05/12 06:19:17 1.90ml 4 km NE of Westmorland, CA (33.0627 -115.5840)
05/12 06:11:52 2.55md 2 km N of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.2273 -155.4828)
05/12 05:59:24 3.53ml 22 km S of Wai‘ōhinu, Hawaii (18.8687 -155.6548)
05/12 05:36:53 2.00ml 43 km SSW of Karluk, Alaska (57.2192 -154.7778)
05/12 05:30:07 2.40ml 53 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska (62.2749 -148.5966)
05/12 05:20:10 2.26ml 11 km NE of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.2678 -155.3978)
05/12 04:18:07 2.60md 6 km WNW of Cobb, CA (38.8265 -122.7972)
05/12 04:14:09 2.10ml 61 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico (31.6470 -104.5820)
05/12 04:04:23 2.50ml 57 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico (31.6740 -104.5270)
05/12 04:01:01 4.60mb south of the Kermadec Islands (-33.4589 179.7838)
05/12 03:53:24 2.20ml 9 km NW of Anchorage, Alaska (61.2678 -150.0456)
05/12 03:26:19 5.40mb Kermadec Islands, New Zealand (-30.0845 -177.9786)
05/12 02:39:20 1.78md 13 km ENE of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.2428 -155.3562)
05/12 02:06:19 2.26md 8 km ESE of Cloverdale, CA (38.7950 -122.9247)
05/12 01:01:01 4.60mb 63 km NNW of Dibulla, Colombia (11.8126 -73.5012)
05/12 00:35:32 1.90ml 51 km S of Whites City, New Mexico (31.7170 -104.3070)
05/12 00:27:46 2.10ml 54 km SSW of Whites City, New Mexico (31.7070 -104.5390)
05/12 00:10:49 4.70mb 5 km NNW of Diriamba, Nicaragua (11.9019 -86.2536)
05/11 22:23:13 1.81md 14 km ESE of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.1418 -155.3540)
05/11 22:21:38 1.88ml 7 km SSE of Volcano, Hawaii (19.3757 -155.2110)
05/11 21:31:54 2.37ml 10 km NE of Pāhala, Hawaii (19.2667 -155.4012)
05/11 20:52:57 4.30mb 147 km NE of Lospalos, Timor Leste (-7.5920 127.9601)
05/11 20:43:46 4.20mb 6 km SSE of Salina Cruz, Mexico (16.1245 -95.1722)
05/11 19:48:18 1.90md 24 km WNW of Bayview, CA (40.7918 -124.4642)
The magnitude reported is that which the U.S. Geological Survey considers official for this earthquake, and was the best available estimate of the earthquake's size, at the time that this page was created. Other magnitudes associated with web pages linked from here are those determined at various times following the earthquake with different types of seismic data. Although they are legitimate estimates of magnitude, the U.S. Geological Survey does not consider them to be the preferred "official" magnitude for the event.
Earthquake magnitude is a measure of the size of an earthquake at its source. It is a logarithmic measure. At the same distance from the earthquake, the amplitude of the seismic waves from which the magnitude is determined are approximately 10 times as large during a magnitude 5 earthquake as during a magnitude 4 earthquake. The total amount of energy released by the earthquake usually goes up by a larger factor: for many commonly used magnitude types, the total energy of an average earthquake goes up by a factor of approximately 32 for each unit increase in magnitude.
There are various ways that magnitude may be calculated from seismograms. Different methods are effective for different sizes of earthquakes and different distances between the earthquake source and the recording station. The various magnitude types are generally defined so as to yield magnitude values that agree to within a few-tenths of a magnitude-unit for earthquakes in a middle range of recorded-earthquake sizes, but the various magnitude-types may have values that differ by more than a magnitude-unit for very large and very small earthquakes as well as for some specific classes of seismic source. This is because earthquakes are commonly complex events that release energy over a wide range of frequencies and at varying amounts as the faulting or rupture process occurs. The various types of magnitude measure different aspects of the seismic radiation (e.g., low-frequency energy vs. high-frequency energy). The relationship among values of different magnitude types that are assigned to a particular seismic event may enable the seismologist to better understand the processes at the focus of the seismic event. The various magnitude-types are not all available at the same time for a particular earthquake.
Preliminary magnitudes based on incomplete but rapidly-available data are sometimes estimated and reported. For example, the Tsunami Warning Centers will calculate a preliminary magnitude and location for an event as soon as sufficient data are available to make an estimate. In this case, time is of the essence in order to broadcast a warning if tsunami waves are likely to be generated by the event. Such preliminary magnitudes are superseded by improved estimates of magnitude as more data become available.
For large earthquakes of the present era, the magnitude that is ultimately selected as the preferred magnitude for reporting to the public is commonly a moment magnitude that is based on the scalar seismic-moment of an earthquake determined by calculation of the seismic moment-tensor that best accounts for the character of the seismic waves generated by the earthquake. The scalar seismic-moment, a parameter of the seismic moment-tensor, can also be estimated via the multiplicative product rigidity of faulted rock x area of fault rupture x average fault displacement during the earthquake.
Magnitude Type, Magnitude Range, Distance Range, Equation
Mww (Moment W-phase)(generic notation Mw) ~5.0 and larger 1 - 90 degrees MW = 2/3 * (log10(MO) - 16.1),where MO is the seismic moment.
Note this is also unit-dependent; the formula above is for moment in dyne-cm. If using metric units (N.m), the constant is 9.1. Derived from a centroid moment tensor inversion of the W-phase (~50-2000 s; pass band based on size of EQ). Computed for all M5.0 or larger earthquakes worldwide, but generally robust for all M5.5 worldwide. Provides consistent results to M~4.5 within a regional network of high-quality broadband stations. Authoritative USGS magnitude if computed.
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Mwc (centroid) ~5.5 and larger 20 - 180 degrees MW = 2/3 * (log10(MO) - 16.1), where MO is the seismic moment.
Derived from a centroid moment tensor inversion of the long-period surface waves (~100-2000 s; pass band based on size of EQ). Generally computable for all M6.0 worldwide using primarily the Global Seismograph Network. Only authoritative if Mww is not computed, not published otherwise.
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Mwb (body wave) ~5.5 to ~7.0 30 - 90 degrees MW = 2/3 * (log10(MO) - 16.1), where MO is the seismic moment.
Derived from moment tensor inversion of long-period (~20-200 s; pass band based on size of EQ) body-waves (P- and SH). Generally computable for all M5.5 or larger events worldwide. Source complexity at larger magnitudes (~M7.5 or greater) generally limits applicability. Only authoritative if Mww and Mwc are not computed.
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Mwr (regional) ~4.0 to ~6.5 0 - 10 degrees MW = 2/3 * (log10(MO) - 16.1), where MO is the seismic moment.
Based on the scalar seismic-moment of the earthquake, derived from moment tensor inversion of the whole seismogram at regional distances (~10-100 s; pass band based on size of EQ). Source complexity and dimensions at larger magnitudes (~M7.0 or greater) generally limits applicability. Authoritative for <M5.0. Within the continental US and south-central Alaska where we have a large number of high quality broadband stations we expect we can compute an Mwr consistently for events as small as M4.0. In some areas of the country, with relatively dense broadband coverage, we can compute Mwr consistently to as small as M3.5.
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Ms20 or Ms (20sec surface wave) ~5.0 to ~8.5 20 - 160 degrees MS = log10 (A/T) 1.66 log10 (D) 3.30 .i
A magnitude based on the amplitude of Rayleigh surface waves measured at a period near 20 sec. Waveforms are shaped to the WWSSN LP response. Reported by NEIC, but rarely used as authoritative, since at these magnitudes there is almost always an Mw available. Ms is primarily valuable for large (>6), shallow events, providing secondary confirmation on their size. Ms_20 tends to saturate at about M8.3 or larger.
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mb (short-period body wave) ~4.0 to ~6.5 15 - 100 degrees mb = log10(A/T) Q(D,h) ,where A is the amplitude of ground motion (in microns); T is the corresponding period (in seconds); and Q(D,h) is a correction factor that is a function of distance, D(degrees), between epicenter and station and focal depth, h (in kilometers), of the earthquake.
Based on the amplitude of 1st arriving P-waves at periods of about 1 s. Waveforms are shaped to the WWSSN SP response. Reported for most M4.0-4.5 to 6.5 EQs that are observed teleseismically. Only authoritative for global seismicity for which there is no Mww, Mwc, Mwb or Mwr, typically 4.0-5.5 range. Mb tends to saturate at about M 6.5 or larger.
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Mfa (felt-area magnitude) any any various
An estimate of body-wave (mb) magnitude based on the size of the area over which the earthquake was felt, typically assigned to widely felt earthquakes that occurred before the invention of seismographs and to earthquakes occurring in the early decades of seismograph deployment for which magnitudes calculated from seismographic data are not available. The computations are based on isoseismal maps or defined felt areas using various intensity-magnitude or felt area-magnitude formulas. Reference: Seismicity of the United States, 1568-1989 (Revised), by Carl W. Stover and Jerry L. Coffman, U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1527, United States Government Printing Office, Washington: 1993.
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ML Ml, or ml (local) ~2.0 to ~6.5 0 - 600 km
The original magnitude relationship defined by Richter and Gutenberg in 1935 for local earthquakes. It is based on the maximum amplitude of a seismogram recorded on a Wood-Anderson torsion seismograph. Although these instruments are no longer widely in use, ML values are calculated using modern instrumentation with appropriate adjustments. Reported by NEIC for all earthquakes in the US and Canada. Only authoritative for smaller events, typically M<4.0 for which there is no mb or moment magnitude. In the central and eastern United States, NEIC also computes ML, but restricts the distance range to 0-150 km. In that area it is only authoritative if there is no mb_Lg as well as no mb or moment magnitude.
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mb_Lg, mb_lg, or MLg (short-period surface wave) ~3.5 to ~7.0 150-1110 km (10 degres)
A magnitude for regional earthquakes based on the amplitude of the Lg surface waves as recorded on short-period instruments. Only authoritative for smaller events in the central and eastern United States, typically <4.0 for which there is no mb or moment magnitude.
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Md or md (duration) ~4 or smaller 0 - 400 km
Based on the duration of shaking as measured by the time decay of the amplitude of the seismogram. Sometimes the only magnitude available for very small events, but often used (especially in the past) to compute magnitude from seismograms with "clipped" waveforms due to limited dynamic recording range of analog instrumentation, which makes it impossible to measure peak amplitudes. Computed by NEIC but only published when there is no other magnitude available.
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Mi or Mwp (integrated p-wave) ~5.0 to ~8.0 all
Based on an estimate of moment calculated from the integral of the displacement of the P wave recorded on broadband instruments.
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Me (energy) ~3.5 and larger all Me = 2/3 log10E - 2.9,where E is the energy calculated by log10E = 11.8 1.5MS where energy, E, is expressed in ergs.
Based on the seismic energy radiated by the earthquake as estimated by integration of digital waveforms.
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Mh any any N/A
Non-standard magnitude method. Generally used when standard methods will not work. Sometimes use as a temporary designation until the magnitude is finalized.
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Finite Fault Modeling ~7.0 and larger 30 - 90 degrees
FFM modeling provides a kinematic description of faulting including estimates of maximum slip, area of rupture and moment release as a function of time. Results are used to provide constraints on fault dimensions and slip used in damage assessment modeling (ShakeMap, PAGER) and to model stress changes (Coulomb stress modeling) on the active fault and/or adjacent faults.
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Mint (intensity magnitude) any any various
A magnitude estimated from the maximum reported intensity, typically for earthquakes occurring before seismic instruments were in general use. This has been used for events where the felt reports were from too few places to use a magnitude determined from a felt area. Reference: Catalog of Hawaiian earthquakes, 1823-1959, by Fred W. Klein and Thomas L. Wright U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1623, USGS Information Services, Denver: 2000.
