Question 59684
The intensity if the Columbia Earthquake was measured to be > 8.8 on a Richter Scale

On a Mercalli scale this is termed as a "GREATER CASTASTROPHE". It is describes as:  Almost everything is destroyed. Objects are thrown into the air. The ground moves in waves or ripples. Large amounts of rock may move.

Earthquake Severity:


Richter magnitude and earthquake effects 


less than 3.5 --> Generally not felt, but recorded. 


3.5 - 5.4 --> Often felt, but rarely causes damage. 


under 6.0 --> At most slight damage to well-designed buildings. Can 


cause major damage to poorly constructed buildings over small regions. 


6.1 - 6.9 --> Can be destructive in areas up to about 100 kilometers 


across where people live. 


7.0 - 7.9 --> Major earthquake. Can cause serious damage over larger 


areas. 

8 or greater -->  Great earthquake. Can cause serious damage in areas 


several hundred kilometers across. 


 Magnitude Richter --> TNT equivalent 


-1.5  --> 6 ounces 


1  -->    30 ounces 


1.5  -->  320 pounds 


2  -->    1 ton 


2.5  -->  4.6 tons 


3  -->    29 tons 


3.5  -->  73 tons 


4  -->    1000 tons 


4.5  -->  5100 tons 

        
5  -->    32000 tons 


5.5  -->    80000 tons

 
6  -->      1 milion tons 


6.5  -->   5 milion tons 


7  -->     32 milon tons 


7.5  -->  160 milion tons 


8  -->   1 bilion tons 


8.5  -->   5 bilion tons 


9   -->    32 bilion tons 


10  -->    1 trilion tons 


12  -->    160 trilion tons 
 

Regards..