RICHTER SCALE Definition & Meaning

Richter scale

noun

a scale, ranging from 1 to 10, for indicating the intensity of an earthquake.

Richter scale

/ ˈ��ɪ��ə /

noun

a scale for expressing the magnitude of an earthquake in terms of the logarithm of the amplitude of the ground wave; values range from 0 to over 9 Compare Mercalli scale See also magnitude

Richter scale

/ ��ĭ��′��ə�� /

A logarithmic scale used to rate the strength or total energy of earthquakes. The scale has no upper limit but usually ranges from 1 to 9. Because it is logarithmic, an earthquake rated as 5 is ten times as powerful as one rated as 4. An earthquake with a magnitude of 1 is detectable only by seismographs; one with a magnitude of 7 is a major earthquake. The Richter scale is named after the American seismologist Charles Francis Richter (1900–1985).
See Note at earthquake

Richter scale

A scale used to rate the intensity of earthquakes . The scale is open-ended, with each succeeding level representing ten times as much energy as the last. A serious earthquake might rate six to eight, and very destructive quakes rate higher.

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Notes

No quake greater than nine has ever been recorded.

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of Richter scale¹

1935–40; after Charles F. Richter (1900–85), U.S. seismologist

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of Richter scale¹

C20: named after Charles Richter (1900–85) US seismologist

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Compare Meanings

How does Richter scale compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This has replaced the better known Richter scale, now considered outdated and less accurate.

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Sunday's quake was preceded by three smaller ones of more than 4.0 magnitude, while the three on Monday morning were also more than 4.0 on the Richter scale.

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Subtle tremors that had begun in June 2024 turned into full-fledged earthquakes, some exceeding 4.0 on the Richter scale, shaking homes and unsettling the island's residents.

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And their resulting roar might have registered on the Richter scale.

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Her albums set sales records, her concerts register on the Richter scale, and her relationship with American Football star Travis Kelce gave the Super Bowl its highest-ever audience - even though she didn’t even play.

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