Brief Report
May 1982
Earthquake Magnitude Scales
Authors: Otto W. Nuttli and Robert B. HerrmanAuthor Affiliations
Publication: Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division
Volume 108, Issue 5
Abstract
The use and meaning of earthquake magnitude scales are examined. Common misunderstandings regarding local magnitude, surface wave magnitude, and body-wave magnitude, are discussed and clarified. It is shown that no single magnitude will adequately describe the size of an earthquake, and that different geographic regions pose different requirements. Inter-relations between seismic moment and the various types of magnitude are examined. Magnitudes are recommended for equations or curves which specify the strong ground-motion acceleration, velocity, displacement, or response spectra as a function of distance from the earthquake source.
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Information
Published In
Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division
Volume 108 • Issue 5 • May 1982
Pages: 783 - 786
Copyright
© 1982 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: May 1982
Published online: Feb 11, 2021
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Otto W. Nuttli
Prof. of Geophysics, Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Sci., St. Louis Univ., St. Louis, Mo. 63103
Robert B. Herrman
Assoc. Prof. of Geophysics, Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Sci., St. Louis Univ., St. Louis, Mo. 63103
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
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Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.