Earthquake moment magnitude measures the magnitude of an earthquake based on the amount of force required to generate the recorded waves
Moment magnitude is a modern version of the Richter Scale. It is more accurate as it accounts for areas of fault and the amount of observed slip
Earthquake Moment
The earthquake moment is (MO)= rock rigidity x fault area x average displacement
Earthquake Moment Magnitude Equation
earthquake moment magnitude (Mw) is = 2/3 (log(10)MO) - 6.07
The Relationship between fault area and displacement
The larger the fault area, and larger displacement that occurs in one earthquake moment -> larger amount of energy required -> larger moment magnitude
Fault Networks
Faults can be well or poorly orientated within the network to experience earthquakes as other faults rupture. When a network of faults ruptures, one earthquake slips sending energy throughout the rest of the network, this in turn can set off other earthquakes that are oriented well as have experienced sufficient seismic loading. This leads to a greater amount of energy being released from the system rather than if each fault was to rupture individually
