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Earthquake magnitude, intensity, energy, and acceleration (Second paper)

Gutenberg, B. and Richter, C. F. (1956) Earthquake magnitude, intensity, energy, and acceleration (Second paper). Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 46 (2). pp. 105-145. ISSN 0037-1106. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20140805-165542424

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Abstract

This supersedes Paper 1 (Gutenberg and Richter, 1942). Additional data are presented. Revisions involving intensity and acceleration are minor. The equation log a = I/3 − 1/2 is retained. The magnitude-energy relation is revised as follows: log E = 9.4 + 2.14 M – 0.054 M^2 (20). A numerical equivalent, for M from 1 to 8.6, is log E = 9.1 + 1.75 M + log (9-m) (21). Equation (20) is based on log (A_0/T_0) = -0.76 + 0.91 M – 0.027M^2 (7) applying at an assumed point epicenter. Eq. (7) is derived empirically from readings of torsion seismometers and USCGS accelerographs. Amplitudes at the USCGS locations have been divided by an average factor of 2 1/2 to compensate for difference in ground; previously this correction was neglected, and log E was overestimated by 0.8. The terms M2 are due partly to the response of the torsion seismometers as affected by increase of ground period with M, partly to the use of surface waves to determine M. If MS results from surface waves, MB from body waves, approximately M_S – M_B = 0.4 (M_S – 7) (27). It appears that MB corresponds more closely to the magnitude scale determined for local earthquakes. A complete revision of the magnitude scale, with appropriate tables and charts, is in preparation. This will probably be based on A/T rather than amplitudes.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://bssa.geoscienceworld.org/content/46/2/105.abstractPublisherArticle
Additional Information:Copyright © 1956, by the Seismological Society of America. The authors are indebted to Dr. H. Benioff for much helpful discussion.
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Caltech Division of Geological Sciences719
Issue or Number:2
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20140805-165542424
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20140805-165542424
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:48033
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: George Porter
Deposited On:06 Aug 2014 15:43
Last Modified:03 Oct 2019 06:59

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