What measurement describes how much an earthquake shakes a particular place?

Earthquake intensity describes how strongly a particular place experiences an earthquake’s shaking and effects.

Intensity varies from location to location because of distance from the source, local geology, building construction, and the earthquake’s depth. One earthquake therefore has many intensity values across its affected area.

Magnitude is different: it describes the earthquake’s overall size at its source and is intended to be a single value for the event. Intensity scales, such as the Modified Mercalli scale, use observed effects ranging from barely felt shaking to severe destruction.

Soft sediments can amplify shaking compared with hard bedrock, while well-engineered structures may experience less damage than vulnerable masonry buildings at the same site. Intensity maps are useful for studying local impacts and emergency response.