How much does the ground shake during an earthquake? Scientists can tell using the Richter (RIK-ter) scale. It measures the shaking on a scale from 1.0 to 9.0. The weakest earthquakes are 1.0, or less. The strongest earthquakes on the scale can measure is 9.0.
Richter Scale
9.0 — Causes complete devastation and large-scale loss of life.
8.0 — Very few buildings stay up. Bridges fall down. Underground pipes burst. Railroad rails bend. Large rocks move. Smaller objects are tossed into the air. Some objects are swallowed up by the earth.
7.0 — It is hard to keep your balance. The ground cracks. Roads shake. Weak buildings fall down. Other buildings are badly damaged.
6.0 — Pictures can fall off walls. Furniture moves. In some buildings, walls may crack.
5.0 — If you are in a car, it may rock. Glasses and dishes may rattle. Windows may break.
4.0 — Buildings shake a little. It feels like a truck is passing by your house.
3.0 — You may notice this quake if you are sitting still, or upstairs in a house. A hanging object, like a model airplane, may swing.
2.0 — Trees sway. Small ponds ripple. Doors swing slowly. But you can't tell an earthquake is to blame.
1.0 — Earthquakes this small happen below ground. You can't feel them.
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