What magnitude earthquake causes building damage?

M5.0-5.9: slight damage to poorly built structures. M6.0-6.9: destructive in populated areas, damage to ordinary buildings. M7.0+: serious damage, collapse of weak structures. M8.0+: catastrophic over wide areas.

Earthquake Intensity and Damage Probability Calculator

Convert earthquake magnitude to Modified Mercalli Intensity by distance. Estimate building damage probability from peak ground acceleration by structure type.

Car miles driven / year

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Monthly electricity (kWh)

Diet type

🌿 Data Sources: Emission factors from EPA eGRID, IPCC AR6, and EIA. Calculations are estimates for educational and planning purposes. Actual values vary by region, technology, and individual circumstances.

How It Works

Convert earthquake magnitude to Modified Mercalli Intensity by distance. Estimate building damage probability from peak ground acceleration by structure type

Each component has a specific meaning:

Peak ground acceleration by structure type — The peak ground acceleration by structure type recorded for the patient or scenario being assessed.

Note: Interpret the earthquake intensity result against the clinical thresholds and context described above.

How to Use

Enter the peak ground acceleration by structure type for the patient or scenario you are assessing. Convert earthquake magnitude to Modified Mercalli Intensity by distance. Estimate building damage probability from peak ground acceleration by structure type. Use the earthquake intensity result to inform your clinical assessment.

Glossary and Definitions

Earthquake intensity calculator: A key concept in Earthquake Intensity: Convert earthquake magnitude to Modified Mercalli Intensity by distance. Estimate building damage probability from peak ground acceleration by structure type.
Modified mercalli intensity: A key concept in Earthquake Intensity: Convert earthquake magnitude to Modified Mercalli Intensity by distance. Estimate building damage probability from peak ground acceleration by structure type.
Earthquake damage probability: A key concept in Earthquake Intensity: Convert earthquake magnitude to Modified Mercalli Intensity by distance. Estimate building damage probability from peak ground acceleration by structure type.
Richter scale intensity: A key concept in Earthquake Intensity: Convert earthquake magnitude to Modified Mercalli Intensity by distance. Estimate building damage probability from peak ground acceleration by structure type.
Earthquake Intensity: The Earthquake Intensity computes a result from the inputs you provide, based on the method described above.

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