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06/08/11 14:30:44.32
MICHOACAN, MEXICO
Epicenter: 18.624 -100.913
MW 6.0
Because of the limitations of all three magnitude scales—ML, mb, and MS—a new, more uniformly applicable extension of the magnitude scale, known as moment magnitude, or “MW,” was developed. In particular, for very large earthquakes moment magnitude gives the most reliable estimate of earthquake size. New techniques that take advantage of modern telecommunications have recently been implemented, allowing reporting agencies to obtain rapid estimates of moment magnitude for significant earthquakes. So nowadays, when most seismologists announce a magnitude number, they are rarely referring to the Richter Scale.[\ex]
[edit on 11-8-2006 by valkeryie]
Originally posted by valkeryie
Here is a good explanation.
source
Because of the limitations of all three magnitude scales—ML, mb, and MS—a new, more uniformly applicable extension of the magnitude scale, known as moment magnitude, or “MW,” was developed. In particular, for very large earthquakes moment magnitude gives the most reliable estimate of earthquake size. New techniques that take advantage of modern telecommunications have recently been implemented, allowing reporting agencies to obtain rapid estimates of moment magnitude for significant earthquakes. So nowadays, when most seismologists announce a magnitude number, they are rarely referring to the Richter Scale.[\ex]
[edit on 11-8-2006 by valkeryie]
interesting...so in a way the richter scale is dead. or if not it's at least fishguts.
[edit on 11-8-2006 by surrender_dorothy]
Location: 4.715S, 126.820E
Depth: 39 km
Location with respect to nearby cities:
188 km (117 miles) SW (232 degrees) of Ambon, Moluccas, Indonesia
451 km (280 miles) NNE (18 degrees) of DILI, East Timor
474 km (294 miles) E (80 degrees) of Baubau, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Source:
USGS
EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG., P.N.G.
Location: 9.351S, 150.263E
Magnitude: 5.7 Mw
Depth: 68 km
Location with respect to nearby city:
110 km (68 miles) N (353 degrees) of Alotau, New Guinea, PNG
Source:
USGS