Mer·cal·li scale (m r-kä l , m r-)n. A scale of earthquake intensity based on observed effects and ranging from I (detectable only with instruments) to XII (causing almost total destruction). [After Giuseppi Mercalli (1850-1914), Italian seismologist.] |
Mercalli scale [mɜːˈkælɪ]
n
(Earth Sciences / Geological Science) 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 [4]
[named after Giuseppe Mercalli (1850-1914), Italian volcanologist and seismologist]
| Mercalli scale (mr-käl, mr-) 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. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  Mercalli scale - a scale formerly used to describe the magnitude of an earthquake; an earthquake detected only by seismographs is a I and an earthquake that destroys all buildings is a XIIgeology - a science that deals with the history of the earth as recorded in rocks graduated table, ordered series, scale, scale of measurement - an ordered reference standard; "judging on a scale of 1 to 10" |
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