Richter magnitude scale

What was discovered

Richter and Gutenberg defined a logarithmic magnitude scale based on the amplitude recorded by the seismograph, independent of perceived damage. It allowed earthquakes to be compared objectively and their released energy quantified.

Place where it was developed. Seismologists today use moment magnitude, although the media still say 'Richter scale'.

What it led to

• Quantitative seismology and global catalogues
• Gutenberg-Richter frequency-magnitude law
• Moment magnitude scale (Kanamori, 1979)
• Seismic building codes

Built on

• Wood-Anderson seismograph
• Mercalli intensity scale

Made possible

• Reflection seismology for oil exploration1921
• Gutenberg–Richter law1944
• Mexican Seismic Alert System1991
• Seismological networks
• Earthquake early warning

📄 Original publication

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