Earthquake photos

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redmax51

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Good one.
FYI, earthquake ratings are not linear but exponential.

When they rate an earthquake at 5, and then another at 6, its not just a notch up.
its like 10 times more. Don't remember the exact number but thats the way it runs.

True,I think the one a few years ago on the west coast ,that was so destructive, was a 7.5.
 
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Good one.
FYI, earthquake ratings are not linear but exponential.

When they rate an earthquake at 5, and then another at 6, its not just a notch up.
its like 10 times more. Don't remember the exact number but thats the way it runs.

I believe it is a logarithmic scale. Could be wrong, don't feel like looking it up.
 

vvvvvvv

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I believe it is a logarithmic scale. Could be wrong, don't feel like looking it up.

Technically the scale itself is logarithmic, but most would describe the force felt as exponential.

Basically, it's R = log(a), where a = amplitude being recorded by seismograph.

The force that is felt is described as exponential because the energy produced by the quake is equal to (10^R)^(3/2).
 

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