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Earthquake Magnitude
Compare earthquake magnitudes and calculate energy release (Richter scale)
Magnitude Comparison
M₂ is 31.6× stronger
Energy: 31.6× more · Amplitude: 10.0× larger
Energy Ratio
31.6
Amplitude Ratio
10.0
E₁ Energy (J)
2.0e12
E₂ Energy (J)
6.3e13
About: The Richter magnitude scale is logarithmic: each whole number increase represents 10× greater wave amplitude and about 31.6× more energy release. A magnitude 6 earthquake releases as much energy as 31.6 magnitude 5 quakes! Energy (J) = 104.8 + 1.5M.