Earthquake Calculator
Calculate earthquake intensity and energy release based on magnitude and distance. Understand earthquake effects and seismic energy.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the earthquake magnitude (Richter scale, 0-10).
- Enter your distance from the epicenter in kilometers or miles.
- The calculator displays intensity, description, and energy release.
- Use this to understand earthquake effects at your location.
Earthquake Intensity Formula
Intensity is calculated from magnitude and distance:
Energy (Joules) = 10^(1.5 × Magnitude + 4.8)
Example: Magnitude 5.5 earthquake, 10 km away: Intensity = 5.5 - 2.76 × log₁₀(10) - 0.3 = 5.5 - 2.76 - 0.3 = 2.44 (Weak). Energy = 10^(1.5 × 5.5 + 4.8) = 10^13.05 = 1.12 × 10¹³ J ≈ 2.7 kilotons TNT.
Full Description
Earthquakes release tremendous amounts of energy and cause shaking that varies with distance from the epicenter. Understanding earthquake intensity helps you assess potential damage and safety risks. The Earthquake Calculator estimates intensity (shaking strength) and energy release based on magnitude and distance, helping you understand earthquake effects at your location.
Earthquake magnitude measures the energy released at the source. The Richter scale is logarithmic—each whole number increase represents about 32× more energy. Intensity measures the shaking strength at a specific location, which depends on both magnitude and distance. Closer to the epicenter, intensity is higher. The calculator uses empirical formulas to estimate intensity and energy release, providing valuable information for earthquake preparedness and understanding.
This calculator helps you understand earthquake effects. Enter magnitude and distance, and it calculates intensity, description, and energy release. Use it to assess earthquake risks, understand seismic energy, plan for earthquakes, or learn about earthquake science. Remember that actual effects depend on many factors including local geology, building construction, and earthquake depth!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is earthquake magnitude?
Magnitude measures the energy released by an earthquake. The Richter scale is logarithmic—each whole number increase represents 10× more amplitude and ~32× more energy. Magnitude 5.0 releases ~32× more energy than magnitude 4.0.
How is intensity calculated?
Intensity = Magnitude - 2.76 × log₁₀(Distance) - 0.3. Intensity measures shaking strength at a location. Higher intensity = stronger shaking. Intensity depends on both magnitude and distance from epicenter.
What do intensity levels mean?
Intensity 9+: Violent - General panic, structures destroyed. 8: Severe - Major damage, buildings collapse. 7: Very strong - Damage to buildings. 6: Strong - Felt by all, some damage. 5: Moderate - Felt by most. 4: Light - Felt by many. 3: Weak - Felt by few. 2: Very weak.
How much energy does an earthquake release?
Energy (Joules) = 10^(1.5 × Magnitude + 4.8). Magnitude 4.0: ~6.3 × 10¹¹ J (150 tons TNT). Magnitude 5.0: ~2.0 × 10¹³ J (4.8 kilotons TNT). Magnitude 6.0: ~6.3 × 10¹⁴ J (150 kilotons TNT). Magnitude 7.0: ~2.0 × 10¹⁶ J (4.8 megatons TNT).