Print this chapterPrint this chapter

Logarithms

Richter Scale

Example

In 1997, a California Earthquake measured 3.2 on the Richter scale. How much energy was released?

Step 1. Substitute 3.2 into the formula for M.
RichterEx1-1
RichterEx1-2
Step 2. Solve the formula for E.
RichterEx1-3
RichterEx1-4
RichterEx1-5
RichterEx1-6
RichterEx1-7

The energy released by an earthquake with the magnitude of 3.2 is RichterEx1-8 ergs.