The Modified Mercalli Scale

The Modified Mercalli Scale (Roman numerals I-XII) is used to measure the intensity of an earthquake in a particular area. It differs from the Richter Scale (which measures the energy released by an earthquake).

I	Barely felt
II	Felt by a few sensitive people, some suspended objects may swing
III	Slightly felt indoors as though a large truck were passing
IV	Felt indoors by many people, most suspended objects swing, windows and dishes rattle, standing autos rock
V	Felt by almost everyone, sleeping people are awakened, dishes and windows break
VI	Felt by everyone, some are frightened and run outside, some chimneys break, some furniture moves, slight damage
VII	Considerable damage in poorly built structures, felt by people driving, most are frightened and run outside
VIII	Slight damage to well built structures, poorly built structures are heavily damaged, walls, chimneys, monuments fall
IX	Underground pipes break, foundations of buildings are damaged and building shift off foundations, considerable damage to well built structures
X	Few structures survive, most foundations destroyed, water moved out of banks of rivers and lakes, avalanches and rockslides, railroads are bent
XI	Few structures remain standing, total panic, large cracks in the ground
XII	Total destruction, objects thrown into the air, the land appears to be liquid and is visibly rolling like waves