About National Richter Scale Day
Charles Francis Richter is most famous as the creator of the Richter magnitude scale, was born on April 26th 1900.
| magnitude level | category | effects | earthquakes per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| less than 1.0 to 2.9 | micro | generally not felt by people, though recorded on local instruments | more than 100,000 |
| 3.0–3.9 | minor | felt by many people; no damage | 12,000–100,000 |
| 4.0–4.9 | light | felt by all; minor breakage of objects | 2,000–12,000 |
| 5.0–5.9 | moderate | some damage to weak structures | 200–2,000 |
| 6.0–6.9 | strong | moderate damage in populated areas | 20–200 |
| 7.0–7.9 | major | serious damage over large areas; loss of life | 3–20 |
| 8.0 and higher | great | severe destruction and loss of life over large areas | fewer than 3 |
- Did you know? In 1960, the strongest earthquake on record occurred in Chile. It had a magnitude of 9.5 (out of 10) on the Richter scale.
- Did you know? The most destructive earthquake ever occurred in 1755. It completely destroyed Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
- Did you know? On 23 January 1556, the deadliest earthquake in history killed about 830 000 people in Shensi, China..
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