Earthquake Classification: A Geological Exploration

by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023

What Is an Earthquake Classification?

An earthquake classification is a system used to categorize earthquakes based on their characteristics, such as size, distribution, location, and intensity. It is important to understand the different categories of earthquakes so that they can be accurately monitored, forecasted, and potential hazards can be accurately assessed.

Why Classify Earthquakes?

Earthquakes are a common natural phenomenon, which can cause tremendous property damage, loss of life, and disruption of normal activities in the affected areas. Classification of earthquakes can help in better understanding them so that effective safety measures can be taken. It also assists in predicting earthquakes with greater accuracy since more data from multiple earthquakes can be gathered through fault zone analysis. Furthermore, understanding the characteristics of different types of earthquakes helps in assessing potential risk zones.

Types of Earthquake Classifications

There are several different types of earthquake classifications, depending on the context. Various organizations, such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the International Seismological Centre (ISC), and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), use slightly different systems to categorize earthquakes.

The most widely used earthquake classification is the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMIS), which is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake. The MMIS uses a range of numbers, from I to XII, to rank the intensity of an earthquake, with 1 being the least intense and 12 being the most intense.