Mercalliintenzitási

Mercalli intesity is a way to measure the effects of an earthquake at a specific location. Unlike magnitude, which measures the energy released at the earthquake's source, intensity describes how strongly people felt the shaking and what damage occurred. The Mercalli intensity scale uses Roman numerals from I (not felt) to XII (catastrophic destruction).

The scale takes into account various factors, including the distance from the epicenter, the local geology, and the type of construction. For example, an earthquake might have a moderate magnitude but cause high intensity in a densely populated area with older buildings. Conversely, the same earthquake might have a low intensity in a rural area with few structures or where the ground is more stable.

Seismologists use observations from the public and damage assessments to assign Mercalli intensity values. This data is crucial for understanding earthquake hazards in different regions and for developing building codes and emergency preparedness plans. It provides a more localized picture of an earthquake's impact than a single magnitude number. The modified Mercalli intensity scale is commonly used today, which is an updated version of the original Mercalli scale.