Mercalli scale

American  

[mer-kah-lee, mer-, mer-kahl-lee] / mərˈkɑ li, mɛr-, mɛrˈkɑl li /

noun

Geology.

1. a measure of earthquake intensity with 12 divisions ranging from I (felt by very few) to XII (total destruction).

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Mercalli scale British  

/ mɜːˈkælɪ /

noun

1. a 12-point scale for expressing the intensity of an earthquake, ranging from 1 (not felt, except by few under favourable circumstances) to 12 (total destruction) Compare Richter scale See also intensity

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Mercalli scale Scientific  

/ mər-kä′lē,mĕr- /

1. A scale of earthquake intensity based on observed effects and ranging from I (detectable only with instruments) to XII (causing almost total destruction). It is named after the Italian seismologist Giuseppe Mercalli.

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Etymology

Origin of Mercalli scale

1920–25; named after Giuseppe Mercalli (1850–1914), Italian seismologist

Compare meaning

How does mercalli-scale compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Mercalli scale vs. Richter scale

Example Sentences

Instead, seismologists relied on a Roman-numeral-based Mercalli scale that depended on subjective assessments like how much objects were damaged and how people reacted.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2023