- One of the most well-known seismic measurement tools is the Richter scale, but this system is no longer in use.
- The Richter scale was replaced in the 1970s by other, more accurate, rating scales.
- Although an old term, this term is still often used when discussing earthquakes.
(WHTM) – Residents across much of the East Coast felt the shaking Friday morning as a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck New Jersey.
One of the most well-known seismic measurement tools is the Richter scale, but this system is no longer in use.
In fact, the Richter scale was replaced in the 1970s by other, more accurate, rating scales.
Although an old term, this term is still often used when discussing earthquakes.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the system was developed by American seismologist and physicist Charles, who collaborated with German-American seismologist Beno Gutenberg to measure the magnitude of earthquakes that occur in Southern California. -First introduced in the early 1930s by Richard Richter.
According to the USGS, the logarithmic earthquake magnitude scale used relatively high-frequency data from nearby seismograph stations, but as more seismograph stations were installed around the world, scientists realized its limitations. started.
Among the problems was that the scale was only valid for certain frequencies and distances.
In response, a new magnitude system known as moment magnitude (Mw) was developed. The USGS says this system is more reliable in determining earthquake magnitude, especially for large earthquakes.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
