Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A magnitude earthquake refers to the measurement of the energy released during an earthquake. It is a numerical value that indicates the size and strength of the seismic event.
Related terms
Seismic waves: These are vibrations that travel through the Earth's crust during an earthquake.
Richter scale: This is a logarithmic scale used to measure and compare the magnitudes of earthquakes.
Epicenter: The point on Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake originates.