Richter scale

noun

1. a scale, ranging from 1 to 10, for indicating the intensity of an earthquake.

Richter scale

/ ˈrɪxtə /

noun

1. a scale for expressing the magnitude of an earthquake in terms of the logarithm of the amplitude of the ground wave; values range from 0 to over 9 Compare Mercalli scale See also magnitude

Richter scale

1. A logarithmic scale used to rate the strength or total energy of earthquakes. The scale has no upper limit but usually ranges from 1 to 9. Because it is logarithmic, an earthquake rated as 5 is ten times as powerful as one rated as 4. An earthquake with a magnitude of 1 is detectable only by seismographs; one with a magnitude of 7 is a major earthquake. The Richter scale is named after the American seismologist Charles Francis Richter (1900–1985).

2. See Note at earthquake

Richter scale

1. A scale used to rate the intensity of earthquakes. The scale is open-ended, with each succeeding level representing ten times as much energy as the last. A serious earthquake might rate six to eight, and very destructive quakes rate higher.

No quake greater than nine has ever been recorded.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Richter scale¹

1935–40; after Charles F. Richter (1900–85), U.S. seismologist

Word History and Origins

Origin of Richter scale¹

C20: named after Charles Richter (1900–85) US seismologist

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, a government panel estimated that there is an 80% chance of a magnitude 8 to 9 megaquake on the Richter scale occurring along Japan’s Nankai Trough in the next 30 years.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Starrs said the issue is now "off the Richter scale in terms of the extent of this phenomenon in every school".

From BBC

This has replaced the better known Richter scale, now considered outdated and less accurate.

From BBC

Sunday's quake was preceded by three smaller ones of more than 4.0 magnitude, while the three on Monday morning were also more than 4.0 on the Richter scale.

From BBC

Subtle tremors that had begun in June 2024 turned into full-fledged earthquakes, some exceeding 4.0 on the Richter scale, shaking homes and unsettling the island's residents.

From BBC