National Richter Scale Day

Category: Science
National Richter Scale Day in USA in 2026
Image: Seismogram being recorded by a seismograph at the Weston Observatory in Massachusetts, USA. CC BY-SA 3.0

About National Richter Scale Day

How long until National Richter Scale Day?
National Richter Scale Day .
Dates of National Richter Scale Day
2026 USA Sunday, April 26thNational Richter Scale Day
2025 USA Saturday, April 26thNational Richter Scale Day
2024 USA Friday, April 26thNational Richter Scale Day
2023 USA Wednesday, April 26thNational Richter Scale Day
2022 USA Tuesday, April 26thNational Richter Scale Day
Summary
Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Richter Scale Day

A day to recognize the importance of Charles Francis Richter's research and his work in development of the earthquake magnitude scale that is known as the Richter scale.

An American author, physicist and seismologist, Charles Francis Richter is most famous as the creator of the Richter magnitude scale. Richter was born April 26th 1900, near Hamilton, OH.

Earthquake Awareness Week is observed in recognition of his work. 

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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