Mercalli Scale (Noun)
Meaning
A scale formerly used to describe the magnitude of an earthquake; an earthquake detected only by seismographs is a I and an earthquake that destroys all buildings is a XII.
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Examples
- The earthquake's intensity was measured using the Mercalli scale, which classified it as a VII due to the visible damage to buildings.
- Historically, the Mercalli scale was utilized to describe earthquake intensity based on observed effects on the environment and built structures.
- The earthquake's magnitude was hard to determine, so experts used the Mercalli scale to categorize it as a VI, indicating minor damage to well-built structures.
- Although the earthquake caused extensive damage, seismologists were able to classify it as a IX on the Mercalli scale, indicating that it still left some structures standing.
- By using the Mercalli scale, researchers were able to assess the severity of past earthquakes that predated modern seismological equipment and technology.