# A seismograph 300 km from the epicenter of an earthquake recorded a maximum amplitude of 5.2 x...

## Question:

A seismograph 300 km from the epicenter of an earthquake recorded a maximum amplitude of {eq}5.2 \times 10^2 {/eq} m. Find this earthquake's magnitude on the Richter scale.

## Earthquake's Magnitude

The magnitude of an earthquake is the measurement of its strength which is typically represented by the Ritcher scale or the local magnitude scale. The magnitude is determined from the logarithm of the amplitude of the waves recorded by the seismographs, and the distance from the epicenter of the earthquake.

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The Lillie empirical formula for an earthquake's magnitude is given by

$$M=\log A + 2.76\log D - 2.48$$

where A is the maximum amplitude of the...

Seismology: Definition & History

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Chapter 28 / Lesson 7
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There are only a few branches of sciences that exist primarily to prevent damage to property and loss of life. Seismology is just such a study. In this lesson, we will discuss what seismology is and dive into some of its history.