Earthquake Energy Calculator
Calculate the energy released by an earthquake based on its magnitude.
Richter Scale Magnitude
Calculation Steps
1. Formula: E = 10(1.5 × M + 4.8)
2. Exponent: 1.5 × 7 + 4.8 =
3. Energy (J): 10 = ...
4. TNT (tons): ... / 4.184×10⁹ = ... tons
Equivalent Energy Released
Enter a magnitude value
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Understanding the Power of Earthquakes
Our Earthquake Energy Calculator helps you visualize the immense energy released during an earthquake based on its Richter scale magnitude, comparing it to equivalents like tons of TNT.
What is an Earthquake Energy Calculator?
An Earthquake Energy Calculator is a scientific tool that translates the abstract magnitude number from the Richter scale into a tangible amount of energy, usually expressed in Joules or an equivalent tonnage of TNT. This helps to better understand the destructive power of an earthquake and compare the relative intensity of different seismic events.
How It Works: The Energy Formula
The calculator uses the Gutenberg-Richter law, which relates magnitude to the energy released:
Energy (in Joules) = 10(1.5 × Magnitude + 4.8)
Because the formula is logarithmic, each whole number increase on the magnitude scale represents a 31.6-fold increase in energy released.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the energy of an earthquake calculated?
The energy released by an earthquake is calculated from its magnitude on the Richter scale. The formula is logarithmic: E = 10^(1.5 * M + 4.8), where E is the energy in joules and M is the magnitude. This means a one-point increase in magnitude represents about a 32-fold increase in energy.
How much more powerful is a magnitude 7 earthquake than a magnitude 6?
A magnitude 7 earthquake releases approximately 32 times more energy than a magnitude 6 earthquake. The ground shaking for a magnitude 7 is 10 times stronger than for a magnitude 6.
What is the largest earthquake ever recorded?
The largest earthquake ever recorded was the 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile, which had a magnitude of 9.5 on the Richter scale. It released an immense amount of energy, equivalent to thousands of atomic bombs.
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