Social Question

Strauss's avatar

What is the difference between the Richter Scale and the moment magnitude scale?

Asked by Strauss (23621points) February 27th, 2010

While watching coverage of the Chilean earthquake, I heard it mentioned that the 8.8 magnitude was measured on the moment magnitude scale and not the Richter scale. How long has this measurement been used, and what actually being measured?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

3 Answers

dpworkin's avatar

The moment magnitude scale has superseded the Richter scale. The values remain pretty similar.

dpworkin (27085points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
dpworkin's avatar

Here’s a Wikipedia article with the technical details.

dpworkin (27085points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.
Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther