The Moment Magnitude Scale

The Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) measures the size of an earthquake by assessing the energy released during the event. It considers factors like the rupture area, how much the fault moves, and the rock's strength. Unlike older scales that only tracked shaking intensity, Mw provides a more accurate and consistent estimate across different earthquake sizes. It is logarithmic, meaning each increase of one point represents roughly a threefold increase in energy released. This scale helps scientists compare earthquakes objectively, from minor tremors to the most powerful quakes, ensuring better understanding and preparedness.