I have a science test coming up about earthquakes. We need to know how to use a nomogram to find the magnitude of an earthquake and I’m not sure how too. PLEASE HELP!
Chosen Answer:
You use a graphical representation of known numbers to fix what the variable is. In this case, the known numbers will be distance and amplitude, then by basically just drawing a line, you get the variable — the Richter magnitude (actually, it’s local magnitude, but everyone calls it Richter magnitude anyway).
Check the first link below, it’s the nomogram that I’m talking about. The second link is bigger and longer information.
The best time to use a nomogram is when you really don’t need to be exact. Like if the USGS issues a statement that Los Angeles experienced a “4.0 magnitude earthquake.” That’s fine, that’s as good as most people want to know.
It’s really only when you get into those of us who care about and need to know about the science of it that we need more detailed techniques.
by: Earth Man
on: 7th June 10