Richter Scale Energy Calculator
Calculate the seismic energy released by an earthquake based on its Richter Scale (local magnitude) value.
M
Enter a magnitude to see results.
Formula
The Gutenberg–Richter (1956) empirical relation between seismic energy and magnitude:
log10(E) = 11.8 + 1.5 × M
where E is energy in ergs and M is the Richter (local) magnitude.
Unit conversions applied:
- 1 erg = 10−7 joules
- 1 kiloton TNT = 4.184 × 1012 joules
Each whole-number increase in magnitude corresponds to a 101.5 ≈ 31.62× increase in energy released.
Assumptions & References
- Formula is valid for the Richter local magnitude scale (ML); results are approximate for moment magnitude (Mw).
- The relationship is empirical and represents total seismic wave energy, not surface destruction energy.
- Valid magnitude range used here: −2 to 10 (no confirmed earthquake has exceeded ~9.5).
- Gutenberg, B. & Richter, C.F. (1956) – "Earthquake magnitude, intensity, energy, and acceleration." Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 46(2), 105–145.
- USGS Earthquake Hazards Program – usgs.gov