Mercalli Scale

Mercalli scale explained in an easy to understand way:

Mercalli Scale Simple Definition
Mercalli Scale Definition

Imagine you're trying to figure out how severe a car accident was just by looking at the damage done to the car. The Mercalli scale works similarly by assessing the intensity of an earthquake based on the visible damage it causes to buildings and the ground. Just like a more severe car accident leaves behind more extensive damage and is easier to assess, a higher intensity earthquake on the Mercalli scale results in more noticeable destruction, allowing us to gauge how powerful the seismic event was.

Practice Version

Mercalli Scale Definition

Mercalli Scale: A measure of the intensity of, and damage caused by an earthquake. Mercalli scale. The Mercalli scale measures the effects and damage of an earthquake on people and buildings.