Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale COPY

Question 1

Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame structures with foundations destroyed; ground badly cracked

Train rails bent Many landslides from riverbanks and steep slopes

Some sand and mud liquifies

Water is splashed over banks

Answer 1

Intensity 10

Question 2

Damage considerable even in specially designed structures; great in substantial buildings, with partial collapse

Well-designed frame structures thrown out of plumb; some buildings are shifted off foundations

Ground cracks conspicuous

Underground pipes are broken

Answer 2

Intensity 9

Question 3

Almost everybody runs outdoors

Damage is negligible in buildings of good design and construction; slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerably in poorly built or badly designed structures; some chimneys broken

Noticed by people driving cars

Answer 3

Intensity 7

Question 4

Damage is total

Waves are seen on the ground surface Lines of sight distorted

Objects are thrown into air

Answer 4

Intensity 12

Question 5

Felt noticeably indoors, especially on upper floors of buildings, but many people do not recognize shaking as an EQ

Stationary cars may rock slightly

Vibration feels like passing of a truck

Answer 5

Intensity 3

Question 6

During the day, felt indoors by many, outdoors by few

At night, some people awakened

Dishes, windows, doors disturbed: walls make cracking sound

Stationary cars rock noticeably

Sensation of heavy truck striking building

Answer 6

Intensity 4

Question 7

Felt by very few people

Answer 7

Intensity 1

Question 8

Few, if any, masonry structures remain standing; bridges are destroyed

Large fissures open in ground

Landslides are common

Answer 8

Intensity 11

Question 9

Felt by nearly everyone; many people awakened

Some dishes and windows broken

Few instances of cracked plaster

Unstable objects overturned

Disturbances of trees, poles, and other tall objects are sometimes noticed

Pendulum clocks may stop

Answer 9

Intensity 5

Question 10

Felt by all, many people frightened and run outdoors

Some heavy furniture moved

Few instances of fallen plaster or damaged chimneys

Damage is slight

Answer 10

Intensity 6

Question 11

Damage slight is specially designed structures; considerably in ordinary substantial buildings, with partial collapse; great in poorly built structures

Panel walls thrown out of frames; chimneys, factory stacks, columns, monuments, and walls collapse; heavy furniture overturned

Sand and mud ejected in small amounts; changes in well water

Disturbs people driving cars

Answer 11

Intensity 8

Question 12

Felt by only a few people, especially on upper floors of buildings

Delicate objects may swing

Answer 12

Intensity 2