Difference between revisions of "Template:Earthquake magnitude/doc"

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imported>Frietjes
imported>Frietjes
(Undid revision 970169201 by Frietjes (talk))
 
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*<small>For the "small letter m with dot below" please use the HTML encoding "&amp;7747;", or the Unicode "1E43" code.</small>  
 
*<small>For the "small letter m with dot below" please use the HTML encoding "&amp;7747;", or the Unicode "1E43" code.</small>  
  
Given a valid code (see table), outputs an earthquake magnitude scale label, either the generic {{Earthquake magnitude|.}}, or a subtype (such as {{Earthquake magnitude|w}} or {{Earthquake magnitude|blg}}), conformable with the labels most commonly used by the major seismological authorities. The article is automatically added to a tracking category. Optionally adds a value or relation, identifies a source, or links to explanatory text at [[Seismic magnitude scales]].
+
Given a valid code (see table), outputs an earthquake magnitude scale label, either the generic {{M|.}}, or a subtype (such as {{M|w}} or {{M|blg}}), conformable with the labels most commonly used by the major seismological authorities. The article is automatically added to a tracking category. Optionally adds a value or relation, identifies a source, or links to explanatory text at [[Seismic magnitude scales]].
  
 
=== Usage ===
 
=== Usage ===
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Label only:
 
Label only:
* {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|w}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|w}}
+
* {{tlx|M|w}}&nbsp;→ {{M|w}}
  
 
With a value or range:
 
With a value or range:
* {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|s|5.1}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|s|5.1}}.
+
* {{tlx|M|s|5.1}}&nbsp;→ {{M|s|5.1}}.
* {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|w|6.2 – 6.5}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|w|6.2 – 6.5}}
+
* {{tlx|M|w|6.2 – 6.5}}&nbsp;→ {{M|w|6.2 – 6.5}}
  
 
Label wikilinked to explanatory text (useful for first mention):
 
Label wikilinked to explanatory text (useful for first mention):
* {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|t|'''link&#61;y'''}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|t|link=y}}
+
* {{tlx|M|t|'''link&#61;y'''}}&nbsp;→ {{M|t|link=y}}
* {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|b|5.2|'''link&#61;y'''}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|b|5.2|link=y}}
+
* {{tlx|M|b|5.2|'''link&#61;y'''}}&nbsp;→ {{M|b|5.2|link=y}}
  
 
To show that a magnitude is from a particular catalog or source use {{para|src}}:
 
To show that a magnitude is from a particular catalog or source use {{para|src}}:
* {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|w|8.1|'''src&#61;'''HRV}}, {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|e|8.8|'''src&#61;'''USGS-PDE}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|w|8.1|src=HRV}}, &nbsp;&nbsp;{{Earthquake magnitude|e|8.8|src=USGS-PDE}}
+
* {{tlx|M|w|8.1|'''src&#61;'''HRV}}, {{tlx|M|e|8.8|'''src&#61;'''USGS-PDE}}&nbsp;→ {{M|w|8.1|src=HRV}}, &nbsp;&nbsp;{{M|e|8.8|src=USGS-PDE}}
 
:<small>(Note: this is not suitable for purposes of [[WP:Verification]].)</small>
 
:<small>(Note: this is not suitable for purposes of [[WP:Verification]].)</small>
  
 
There are multiple magnitude scales. To maintain accuracy and avoid error '''''please use the proper code''''' (see below).  
 
There are multiple magnitude scales. To maintain accuracy and avoid error '''''please use the proper code''''' (see below).  
 
If you are uncertain use the special maintenance code "?", which flags this instance for further attention:
 
If you are uncertain use the special maintenance code "?", which flags this instance for further attention:
* {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|'''?'''}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|?}}
+
* {{tlx|M|'''?'''}}&nbsp;→ {{M|?}}
  
 
Typical use in article text, with in-line citation:
 
Typical use in article text, with in-line citation:
* {{tq|The 1964 Alaska earthquake, magnitude <nowiki>{{Earthquake magnitude|w|6.7|src=NEIC}}&lt;ref>{{short-isc|EHB|869809}}.&lt;/ref></nowiki> ....}}
+
* {{tq|The 1964 Alaska earthquake, magnitude <nowiki>{{M|w|6.7|src=NEIC}}&lt;ref>{{short-isc|EHB|869809}}.&lt;/ref></nowiki> ....}}
  
 
The special code "'''magnitude'''" produces a suitable wikilink for generic use:
 
The special code "'''magnitude'''" produces a suitable wikilink for generic use:
* {{tq|A {{Earthquake magnitude|magnitude}} 7 earthquake ....}}
+
* {{tq|A {{m|magnitude}} 7 earthquake ....}}
  
 
The special codes "M" and "mag" produce a suitably wikilinked caption for use in tables:
 
The special codes "M" and "mag" produce a suitably wikilinked caption for use in tables:
* {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|'''M'''}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|M}}; {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|'''mag'''}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|mag}}
+
* {{tlx|M|'''M'''}}&nbsp;→ {{M|M}}; {{tlx|M|'''mag'''}}&nbsp;→ {{M|mag}}
  
 
The standard symbol for [[seismic moment]] can be produced as straight text, or as a math variable (applies CSS 'texhtml' styling using {{tl|mvar}}):
 
The standard symbol for [[seismic moment]] can be produced as straight text, or as a math variable (applies CSS 'texhtml' styling using {{tl|mvar}}):
* {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|'''0'''}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|0}}; {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|'''0tex'''}}&nbsp;→ {{Earthquake magnitude|0tex}}
+
* {{tlx|M|'''0'''}}&nbsp;→ {{M|0}}; {{tlx|M|'''0tex'''}}&nbsp;→ {{M|0tex}}
  
 
<div style="border: 2px solid #005000;margin: 2em; padding: 1em;">
 
<div style="border: 2px solid #005000;margin: 2em; padding: 1em;">
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In general: where any source specifies magnitude on a scale ''other than'' "Richter", or uses "M" (or "m") with one or more other letters (such as ML, Mw, Ms, or mb), that can be relied on; use the table below to match the label and determine the proper code.
 
In general: where any source specifies magnitude on a scale ''other than'' "Richter", or uses "M" (or "m") with one or more other letters (such as ML, Mw, Ms, or mb), that can be relied on; use the table below to match the label and determine the proper code.
  
Where a newspaper or other popular media refers to the scale or magnitude of a recent earthquake as "Richter" it is probably the popular mis-identification of the moment magnitude scale. Best practice is to check with an authoritative source, such as the USGS or the International Seismic Centre (see below).  USGS policy is that magnitudes in press releases, indicated as "M" without any additional characters, are implicitly moment magnitude. But: '''do not use the "w" code''' if the source '''''does not actually say''''' "M<sub>w</sub>" or "moment magnitude scale".  If you have a strong basis for believing moment magnitude is meant – e.g., because it is a USGS press release – use the "dot" code to indicate an ''implicit'' M<sub>w</sub>.  E.g.: {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|'''.'''|5.7}}→ {{Earthquake magnitude|.|5.7}}; {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|'''.'''|link&#61;y}}→ {{Earthquake magnitude|.|link=y}}.
+
Where a newspaper or other popular media refers to the scale or magnitude of a recent earthquake as "Richter" it is probably the popular mis-identification of the moment magnitude scale. Best practice is to check with an authoritative source, such as the USGS or the International Seismic Centre (see below).  USGS policy is that magnitudes in press releases, indicated as "M" without any additional characters, are implicitly moment magnitude. But: '''do not use the "w" code''' if the source '''''does not actually say''''' "M<sub>w</sub>" or "moment magnitude scale".  If you have a strong basis for believing moment magnitude is meant – e.g., because it is a USGS press release – use the "dot" code to indicate an ''implicit'' M<sub>w</sub>.  E.g.: {{tlx|M|'''.'''|5.7}}→ {{M|.|5.7}}; {{tlx|M|'''.'''|link&#61;y}}→ {{M|.|link=y}}.
  
If you are not sure of the scale, use {{tlx|Earthquake magnitude|?}}. See below on how to find authoritative magnitudes.
+
If you are not sure of the scale, use {{tlx|M|?}}. See below on how to find authoritative magnitudes.
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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|- #
 
|- #
 
| --|| --|| --|| --|| --||
 
| --|| --|| --|| --|| --||
|{{Earthquake magnitude|?}}  ||?  || Unspecified
+
|{{M|?}}  ||?  || Unspecified
 
|[[:Category:Articles with unspecified earthquake magnitude and/or scale|M_?]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_?|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles with unspecified earthquake magnitude and/or scale|M_?]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_?|R}}
 
|WP: scale is unspecified or indeterminate.
 
|WP: scale is unspecified or indeterminate.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| --|| --|| --|| --|| --||
 
| --|| --|| --|| --|| --||
|{{Earthquake magnitude|??}} ||?? || Needs verification
+
|{{M|??}} ||?? || Needs verification
 
|[[:Category:Articles with unverified magnitude and/or scale|M_??]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_??|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles with unverified magnitude and/or scale|M_??]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_??|R}}
 
|WP: the scale and/or magnitude needs verification.
 
|WP: the scale and/or magnitude needs verification.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| --|| --|| --|| --|| --||
 
| --|| --|| --|| --|| --||
|{{Earthquake magnitude|R?|link=y}}  ||R? || Dubious "Richter"
+
|{{M|R?|link=y}}  ||R? || Dubious "Richter"
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Rothe magnitude scale|M_R?]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_R?|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Rothe magnitude scale|M_R?]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_R?|R}}
 
|WP: "Richter" scale is asserted, but dubious.
 
|WP: "Richter" scale is asserted, but dubious.
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|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || UK || || ||→
 
| || || UK || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|uk|link=y}}  || uk  || Unknown
+
|{{M|uk|link=y}}  || uk  || Unknown
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Muk magnitude scale|M_uk]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_uk|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Muk magnitude scale|M_uk]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_uk|R}}
 
|Source says "unknown" scale. Might be 1954 M<sub>GR</sub> or M<sub>PAS</sub> mag.; see below (gr), or [[Seismic magnitude scales#Muk|here]].
 
|Source says "unknown" scale. Might be 1954 M<sub>GR</sub> or M<sub>PAS</sub> mag.; see below (gr), or [[Seismic magnitude scales#Muk|here]].
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|- #
 
|- #
 
| ML    || M<kbd>l</kbd> || ML  || M<sub>L</sub> || ''M''<sub>L</sub> ||→
 
| ML    || M<kbd>l</kbd> || ML  || M<sub>L</sub> || ''M''<sub>L</sub> ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|L|link=y}}  || <kbd>l</kbd> || [[Richter magnitude scale|Local ("Richter")]]
+
|{{M|L|link=y}}  || <kbd>l</kbd> || [[Richter magnitude scale|Local ("Richter")]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using ML magnitude scale|M_L]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_L|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using ML magnitude scale|M_L]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_L|R}}
 
| §4.1. "Local" to Southern Calif. Adapted for other regions, but not necessarily comparable.
 
| §4.1. "Local" to Southern Calif. Adapted for other regions, but not necessarily comparable.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || M<sub>JMA</sub> || Mj ||  || ''M''<sub>JMA</sub> ||→
 
| || M<sub>JMA</sub> || Mj ||  || ''M''<sub>JMA</sub> ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|jma|link=y}} ||jma || JMA "Local" mag.
+
|{{M|jma|link=y}} ||jma || JMA "Local" mag.
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mjma magnitude scale|M_jma]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_jma|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mjma magnitude scale|M_jma]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_jma|R}}
 
| §3.2.4.7. Japanese Meteorological Agency. Also M<sub>J</sub> or MJMA, but ''not''&nbsp;M<sub>w</sub>(JMA).
 
| §3.2.4.7. Japanese Meteorological Agency. Also M<sub>J</sub> or MJMA, but ''not''&nbsp;M<sub>w</sub>(JMA).
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
|  ||  || Mh ||  || ''M''<sub>h</sub> ||→
 
|  ||  || Mh ||  || ''M''<sub>h</sub> ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|h|link=y}}  || h || by "hand"
+
|{{M|h|link=y}}  || h || by "hand"
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mh for magnitude|M_h]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_h|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mh for magnitude|M_h]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_h|R}}
 
|  Ad hoc methods for special cases
 
|  Ad hoc methods for special cases
Line 149: Line 149:
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| M{{ssub|0}}, ''M''{{ssub|0}} || M{{ssub|0}} ||M{{ssub|0}}  || || ||→
 
| M{{ssub|0}}, ''M''{{ssub|0}} || M{{ssub|0}} ||M{{ssub|0}}  || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|0|link=y}}  ||0  || [[seismic moment]]
+
|{{M|0|link=y}}  ||0  || [[seismic moment]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using seismic moment M0|M_0]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_0|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using seismic moment M0|M_0]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_0|R}}
 
| "M zero". A physical value, basis of M<sub>w</sub>. In Newton-meters or dyne-centimeters
 
| "M zero". A physical value, basis of M<sub>w</sub>. In Newton-meters or dyne-centimeters
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || || || {{mvar|M{{ssub|0}}}} ||→
 
| || || || || {{mvar|M{{ssub|0}}}} ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|0tex|link=y}}  ||0tex || [[seismic moment]]
+
|{{M|0tex|link=y}}  ||0tex || [[seismic moment]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using seismic moment M0 with 0tex option|M_0tex]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_0tex|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using seismic moment M0 with 0tex option|M_0tex]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_0tex|R}}
 
| "M zero" as a math variable in text
 
| "M zero" as a math variable in text
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || M || ||'''M'''||→
 
| || || M || ||'''M'''||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|.|link=y}}  ||'''.'''  || [[Moment magnitude scale|moment mag.]]
+
|{{M|.|link=y}}  ||'''.'''  || [[Moment magnitude scale|moment mag.]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using implicit Mw magnitude scale|M_w.]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_w.|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using implicit Mw magnitude scale|M_w.]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_w.|R}}
 
| dot: implicit Mw.  
 
| dot: implicit Mw.  
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| Mw || || Mw, w || || ''M''w||→
 
| Mw || || Mw, w || || ''M''w||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|w|link=y}}  ||w  || [[Moment magnitude scale|moment mag.]]
+
|{{M|w|link=y}}  ||w  || [[Moment magnitude scale|moment mag.]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mw magnitude scale|M_w]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_w|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mw magnitude scale|M_w]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_w|R}}
 
| §4.7. Use only for ''explicit'' M<sub>w</sub>, Mw, or mw.
 
| §4.7. Use only for ''explicit'' M<sub>w</sub>, Mw, or mw.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || ||Mww, ww|| || ||→
 
| || ||Mww, ww|| || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|ww|link=y}}  ||ww  ||  
+
|{{M|ww|link=y}}  ||ww  ||  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mww magnitude scale|M_ww]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wc|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mww magnitude scale|M_ww]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wc|R}}
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from centroid m.t.i. (moment tensor inversion) of W-phase.
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from centroid m.t.i. (moment tensor inversion) of W-phase.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || ||Mwc, wc|| || ||→
 
| || ||Mwc, wc|| || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|wc|link=y}}  ||wc  ||  
+
|{{M|wc|link=y}}  ||wc  ||  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwc magnitude scale|M_wc]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wc|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwc magnitude scale|M_wc]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wc|R}}
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from centroid m.t.i. of long-period surface waves.
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from centroid m.t.i. of long-period surface waves.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || ||Mwb, wb|| || ||→
 
| || ||Mwb, wb|| || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|wb|link=y}}  ||wb  ||  
+
|{{M|wb|link=y}}  ||wb  ||  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwb magnitude scale|M_wb]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wb|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwb magnitude scale|M_wb]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wb|R}}
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from m.t.i. of long-period body waves.
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from m.t.i. of long-period body waves.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || ||Mwr, wr|| || ||→
 
| || ||Mwr, wr|| || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|wr|link=y}}  ||wr  ||  
+
|{{M|wr|link=y}}  ||wr  ||  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwr magnitude scale|M_wr]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wr|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwr magnitude scale|M_wr]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wr|R}}
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from m.t.i. of whole seismogram at regional distances.
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from m.t.i. of whole seismogram at regional distances.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || ||Mwp, wp|| || ||→
 
| || ||Mwp, wp|| || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|wp|link=y}}  ||wp  ||  
+
|{{M|wp|link=y}}  ||wp  ||  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwp magnitude scale|M_wp]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wp|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwp magnitude scale|M_wp]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wp|R}}
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from integrated p-wave §3.2.8.2
 
| M<sub>w</sub> from integrated p-wave §3.2.8.2
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
|Mwpd || ||  || || ||→
 
|Mwpd || ||  || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|wpd|link=y}}  ||wpd  ||  
+
|{{M|wpd|link=y}}  ||wpd  ||  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwp magnitude scale with duration|M_wpd]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wpd|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mwp magnitude scale with duration|M_wpd]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_wpd|R}}
 
| M<sub>wp</sub> w/ duration §3.2.8.3
 
| M<sub>wp</sub> w/ duration §3.2.8.3
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || M<sub><kbd>i</kbd></sub>  || || ||→
 
| || || M<sub><kbd>i</kbd></sub>  || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|i|link=y}}  || <kbd>i</kbd> ||  
+
|{{M|i|link=y}}  || <kbd>i</kbd> ||  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mi magnitude scale|M_i]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_i|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mi magnitude scale|M_i]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_i|R}}
 
| Only if '''''lower-case''''' "'''<kbd>i</kbd>'''"! USGS synonym for Mwp
 
| Only if '''''lower-case''''' "'''<kbd>i</kbd>'''"! USGS synonym for Mwp
Line 207: Line 207:
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| mb    || mb  || mb  || ''M''b || m<sub>b</sub> ||→
 
| mb    || mb  || mb  || ''M''b || m<sub>b</sub> ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|b|link=y}}  ||b  || [[Body wave magnitude|body-wave, short-period]]  
+
|{{M|b|link=y}}  ||b  || [[Body wave magnitude|body-wave, short-period]]  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using mb magnitude scale|M_b]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_b|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using mb magnitude scale|M_b]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_b|R}}
 
| §4.3. ''Case sensitive'': use "b"
 
| §4.3. ''Case sensitive'': use "b"
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| mB  || mB  || --  || M  || ''M''<sub>b</sub>(BB) ||→
 
| mB  || mB  || --  || M  || ''M''<sub>b</sub>(BB) ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|B|link=y}} ||B  || [[Body wave magnitude|body-wave, broadband]]  
+
|{{M|B|link=y}} ||B  || [[Body wave magnitude|body-wave, broadband]]  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using mB magnitude scale|M_B]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_B|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using mB magnitude scale|M_B]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_B|R}}
 
| §4.2; Gutenberg, 1945b,c. ''Case sensitive'': use "B".
 
| §4.2; Gutenberg, 1945b,c. ''Case sensitive'': use "B".
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| mB_BB  || mB  || --  || M  || ''M''<sub>b</sub>(BB) ||→
 
| mB_BB  || mB  || --  || M  || ''M''<sub>b</sub>(BB) ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|bbb|link=y}} ||bbb || [[Body wave magnitude|body-wave, broadband]]  
+
|{{M|bbb|link=y}} ||bbb || [[Body wave magnitude|body-wave, broadband]]  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using mBbb magnitude scale|M_Bbb]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_Bbb|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using mBbb magnitude scale|M_Bbb]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_Bbb|R}}
 
| §4.2  
 
| §4.2  
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| mb_Lg  || mbLg || mb_Lg, MLg ||  || ''m''<sub>b</sub>(L<sub>g</sub>) ||→
 
| mb_Lg  || mbLg || mb_Lg, MLg ||  || ''m''<sub>b</sub>(L<sub>g</sub>) ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|blg|link=y}} ||b<kbd>l</kbd>g || mb from Lg wave  
+
|{{M|blg|link=y}} ||b<kbd>l</kbd>g || mb from Lg wave  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MbLg magnitude scale|M_bLg]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_bLg|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MbLg magnitude scale|M_bLg]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_bLg|R}}
 
| §3.2.4.4; §4.6; Nuttli, 1986. North America east of the [[Rocky Mountains]], and other [[cratons]]
 
| §3.2.4.4; §4.6; Nuttli, 1986. North America east of the [[Rocky Mountains]], and other [[cratons]]
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
|        ||      || Mn || MN ||  ||→
 
|        ||      || Mn || MN ||  ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|N|link=y}} || n || mb from Lg wave  
+
|{{M|N|link=y}} || n || mb from Lg wave  
 
|[[:Category:M N|M_N]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_N|R}}
 
|[[:Category:M N|M_N]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_N|R}}
 
| §3.2.4.4; §4.6; Nuttli, 1973. Same as mb<sub>Lg</sub>
 
| §3.2.4.4; §4.6; Nuttli, 1973. Same as mb<sub>Lg</sub>
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| mBc    ||      ||    ||  ||  ||→
 
| mBc    ||      ||    ||  ||  ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|bc|link=y}} || bc || Cumulative body-wave
+
|{{M|bc|link=y}} || bc || Cumulative body-wave
 
|[[:Category:Articles using mBc magnitude scale|M_Bc]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_Bc|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using mBc magnitude scale|M_Bc]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_Bc|R}}
 
| §3.2.8.1
 
| §3.2.8.1
Line 240: Line 240:
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || Ms || Ms || ''M''<sub>s</sub>||→
 
| || || Ms || Ms || ''M''<sub>s</sub>||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|s|link=y}}  || s || [[Surface wave magnitude|surface wave]]
+
|{{M|s|link=y}}  || s || [[Surface wave magnitude|surface wave]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Ms magnitude scale|M_s]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_s|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Ms magnitude scale|M_s]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_s|R}}
 
| §4.4.  small "s": Gutenberg (1945a) ~20 s period s.w.; Ms_20
 
| §4.4.  small "s": Gutenberg (1945a) ~20 s period s.w.; Ms_20
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || Ms || MS || ''M''<sub>S</sub>||→
 
| || || Ms || MS || ''M''<sub>S</sub>||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|S|link=y}}  || S  || [[Surface wave magnitude|surface wave]]
+
|{{M|S|link=y}}  || S  || [[Surface wave magnitude|surface wave]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MS magnitude scale|M_S]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_S|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MS magnitude scale|M_S]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_S|R}}
 
| §4.4. Big "S": broadband s.w. (Ms_BB), or (older sources) mis-capitalized&nbsp;M<sub>s</sub>
 
| §4.4. Big "S": broadband s.w. (Ms_BB), or (older sources) mis-capitalized&nbsp;M<sub>s</sub>
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| Ms_20  || Ms  || Ms  || Ms  || ''M''<sub>s</sub>(20) ||→
 
| Ms_20  || Ms  || Ms  || Ms  || ''M''<sub>s</sub>(20) ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|s20|link=y}} ||s20 || surface-wave 20s
+
|{{M|s20|link=y}} ||s20 || surface-wave 20s
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Ms20 magnitude scale|M_s20]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_s20|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Ms20 magnitude scale|M_s20]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_s20|R}}
 
| §4.4. 20 s period s.w. mag. per IASPEI
 
| §4.4. 20 s period s.w. mag. per IASPEI
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| Ms_BB  || Ms  || --  || MS  || ''M''<sub>s</sub>(BB) ||→
 
| Ms_BB  || Ms  || --  || MS  || ''M''<sub>s</sub>(BB) ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|sbb|link=y}} ||sbb || [[Surface wave magnitude|surface wave broadband]]  
+
|{{M|sbb|link=y}} ||sbb || [[Surface wave magnitude|surface wave broadband]]  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Msbb magnitude scale|M_sbb]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_sbb|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Msbb magnitude scale|M_sbb]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_sbb|R}}
 
| §4.5. Broadband s.w. mag. per IASPEI
 
| §4.5. Broadband s.w. mag. per IASPEI
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || Mz || || ||→
 
| || || Mz || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|z|link=y}}  ||z  || surface wave, vertical  
+
|{{M|z|link=y}}  ||z  || surface wave, vertical  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mz magnitude scale|M_z]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_z|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mz magnitude scale|M_z]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_z|R}}
 
| Measured from the vertical phase before that became standard.
 
| Measured from the vertical phase before that became standard.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| Ms7 || || || || ''M''<sub>S7</sub>||→
 
| Ms7 || || || || ''M''<sub>S7</sub>||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|s7|link=y}}  ||s7  || surface wave  
+
|{{M|s7|link=y}}  ||s7  || surface wave  
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Ms7 magnitude scale|M_s7]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_s7|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Ms7 magnitude scale|M_s7]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_s7|R}}
 
| Vertical phase on Chinese seismograph
 
| Vertical phase on Chinese seismograph
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || M<sub>Sn</sub> || || ||→
 
| || || M<sub>Sn</sub> || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|sn|link=y}}  ||sn  || surface wave
+
|{{M|sn|link=y}}  ||sn  || surface wave
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Msn magnitude scale|M_sn]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_sn|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Msn magnitude scale|M_sn]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_sn|R}}
 
| 1-second period per Nuttli, 1983   
 
| 1-second period per Nuttli, 1983   
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
|  ||  || M<sub>GR</sub> || || ''M''<sub>GR</sub> ||→
 
|  ||  || M<sub>GR</sub> || || ''M''<sub>GR</sub> ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|gr|link=y}}  || gr || [[Seismic scale#Mgr|Gutenberg-Richter]]
+
|{{M|gr|link=y}}  || gr || [[Seismic scale#Mgr|Gutenberg-Richter]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mgr magnitude scale|M_gr]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_gr|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mgr magnitude scale|M_gr]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_gr|R}}
 
| 1954 G-R version of M<sub>s</sub>. Includes M<sub>PAS</sub> ("Pasadena")
 
| 1954 G-R version of M<sub>s</sub>. Includes M<sub>PAS</sub> ("Pasadena")
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || M<sub>R</sub>  || || ||→
 
| || || M<sub>R</sub>  || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|r|link=y}}  || r || Rothe
+
|{{M|r|link=y}}  || r || Rothe
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Rothe magnitude scale|M_r]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_r|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Rothe magnitude scale|M_r]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_r|R}}
 
|  ''Not'' "Richter"! Averaged M<sub>s</sub> per Rothe 1969
 
|  ''Not'' "Richter"! Averaged M<sub>s</sub> per Rothe 1969
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || MLH  || || ||→
 
| || || MLH  || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|lh|link=y}}  || lh || Russian M<sub>s</sub>
+
|{{M|lh|link=y}}  || lh || Russian M<sub>s</sub>
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MLH magnitude scale|M_LH]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_LH|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MLH magnitude scale|M_LH]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_LH|R}}
 
| Parts of Russia (Obninsk)
 
| Parts of Russia (Obninsk)
Line 293: Line 293:
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| Mc || || || || ''M''<sub>c</sub>||→
 
| Mc || || || || ''M''<sub>c</sub>||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|c|link=y}}  ||c  || coda length
+
|{{M|c|link=y}}  ||c  || coda length
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mc magnitude scale|M_c]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_c|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mc magnitude scale|M_c]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_c|R}}
 
| §3.2.4.5
 
| §3.2.4.5
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| Md || Md || MD ||  || ''M''<sub>D</sub>||→
 
| Md || Md || MD ||  || ''M''<sub>D</sub>||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|d|link=y}}  ||d  || [[Earthquake duration magnitude|duration]]
+
|{{M|d|link=y}}  ||d  || [[Earthquake duration magnitude|duration]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Md magnitude scale|M_d]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_d|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Md magnitude scale|M_d]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_d|R}}
 
| §3.2.4.5. Many variants. ''Not'' JMA displacement mag.
 
| §3.2.4.5. Many variants. ''Not'' JMA displacement mag.
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || M<sub>t</sub> || || || ||→
 
| || M<sub>t</sub> || || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|t|link=y}}  ||t || tsunami mag.
+
|{{M|t|link=y}}  ||t || tsunami mag.
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mt magnitude scale|M_t]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_t|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mt magnitude scale|M_t]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_t|R}}
 
| §3.2.6.7. Used by [http://ptwc.weather.gov/ PTWC]
 
| §3.2.6.7. Used by [http://ptwc.weather.gov/ PTWC]
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || || || ''M''<sub>m</sub> ||→
 
| || || || || ''M''<sub>m</sub> ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|m|link=y}}  ||m  || mantle mag.
+
|{{M|m|link=y}}  ||m  || mantle mag.
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mm magnitude scale|M_m]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_m|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mm magnitude scale|M_m]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_m|R}}
 
| §3.2.8.5. Used by [http://ptwc.weather.gov/ PTWC]
 
| §3.2.8.5. Used by [http://ptwc.weather.gov/ PTWC]
Line 315: Line 315:
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || Me || Me || || ||→
 
| || Me || Me || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|e|link=y}}  ||e  || energy mag.
+
|{{M|e|link=y}}  ||e  || energy mag.
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Me magnitude scale|M_e]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_e|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Me magnitude scale|M_e]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_e|R}}
 
| §3.2.7.2
 
| §3.2.7.2
Line 325: Line 325:
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || M(K) || || ||→
 
| || || M(K) || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|k|link=y}}  ||k  || [[Seismic scale#MK|K-class mag.]]
+
|{{M|k|link=y}}  ||k  || [[Seismic scale#MK|K-class mag.]]
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MK magnitude scale|M_K]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_K|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MK magnitude scale|M_K]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_K|R}}
 
| Mag. calculated from "energy class" K
 
| Mag. calculated from "energy class" K
Line 333: Line 333:
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || M<sub>ms</sub> || || || ||→
 
| || M<sub>ms</sub> || || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|ms|link=y}}  || ms || macroseismic
+
|{{M|ms|link=y}}  || ms || macroseismic
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mms magnitude scale|M_ms]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_ms|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mms magnitude scale|M_ms]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_ms|R}}
 
| §3.2.6.6. Generic mag. estimated from macroseismic effects
 
| §3.2.6.6. Generic mag. estimated from macroseismic effects
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || M<sub>fa</sub>, FA || || ''M''<sub>fa</sub> ||→
 
| || || M<sub>fa</sub>, FA || || ''M''<sub>fa</sub> ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|fa|link=y}}  || fa || m<sub>b</sub> from felt-area
+
|{{M|fa|link=y}}  || fa || m<sub>b</sub> from felt-area
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mfa magnitude scale|M_fa]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_fa|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mfa magnitude scale|M_fa]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_fa|R}}
 
| Stover & Coffman, 1999. Est. from extent of felt-area. Multiple methods.  
 
| Stover & Coffman, 1999. Est. from extent of felt-area. Multiple methods.  
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || M<sub>La</sub> || || ||→
 
| || || M<sub>La</sub> || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|la|link=y}}  ||<kbd>l</kbd>a  || M<sub>L</sub> from felt-area
+
|{{M|la|link=y}}  ||<kbd>l</kbd>a  || M<sub>L</sub> from felt-area
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mla magnitude scale|M_la]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_la|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using Mla magnitude scale|M_la]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_la|R}}
 
| M<sub>L</sub> est. from intensity reports; for Calif. and Hawaii
 
| M<sub>L</sub> est. from intensity reports; for Calif. and Hawaii
 
|- #
 
|- #
 
| || || M<sub><kbd>I</kbd></sub>  || || ||→
 
| || || M<sub><kbd>I</kbd></sub>  || || ||→
|{{Earthquake magnitude|I|link=y}}  || <kbd>I</kbd> || M<sub>L</sub> from intensity
+
|{{M|I|link=y}}  || <kbd>I</kbd> || M<sub>L</sub> from intensity
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MI magnitude scale|M_I]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_I|R}}
 
|[[:Category:Articles using MI magnitude scale|M_I]]||{{PAGESINCAT:M_I|R}}
 
| Only if '''''upper-case''''' "'''<kbd>I</kbd>'''"! Est. from epicentral intensity.
 
| Only if '''''upper-case''''' "'''<kbd>I</kbd>'''"! Est. from epicentral intensity.

Latest revision as of 18:14, 29 July 2020

  • For the "small letter m with dot below" please use the HTML encoding "&7747;", or the Unicode "1E43" code.

Given a valid code (see table), outputs an earthquake magnitude scale label, either the generic M, or a subtype (such as Mw  or mbLg ), conformable with the labels most commonly used by the major seismological authorities. The article is automatically added to a tracking category. Optionally adds a value or relation, identifies a source, or links to explanatory text at Seismic magnitude scales.

Usage

The full name serves to better identify this template's purpose. For most practical purposes, the shortcut {{M}} is used as described below.

  • {{ M | <code*> | <value or relation> | src = <source> | link=y }}

A valid code is required (see table), other parameters are optional.

Examples

Label only:

  • {{M|w}} → Mw

With a value or range:

  • {{M|s|5.1}} → Ms 5.1.
  • {{M|w|6.2 – 6.5}} → Mw 6.2 – 6.5

Label wikilinked to explanatory text (useful for first mention):

  • {{M|t|link=y}} → Mt
  • {{M|b|5.2|link=y}} → mb5.2

To show that a magnitude is from a particular catalog or source use |src=:

  • {{M|w|8.1|src=HRV}}, {{M|e|8.8|src=USGS-PDE}} → Mw(HRV) 8.1,   Me(USGS-PDE) 8.8
(Note: this is not suitable for purposes of WP:Verification.)

There are multiple magnitude scales. To maintain accuracy and avoid error please use the proper code (see below). If you are uncertain use the special maintenance code "?", which flags this instance for further attention:

  • {{M|?}} → M

Typical use in article text, with in-line citation:

The special code "magnitude" produces a suitable wikilink for generic use:

The special codes "M" and "mag" produce a suitably wikilinked caption for use in tables:

  • {{M|M}} → M; {{M|mag}} → Mag.

The standard symbol for seismic moment can be produced as straight text, or as a math variable (applies CSS 'texhtml' styling using {{mvar}}):

 Important note: Please do NOT specify a magnitude as "Richter scale" just because a newspaper or other popular media says "Richter". That is usually incorrect. Earthquake magnitudes reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other seismological authorities now generally use the moment magnitude scale for magnitudes greater than 4.0. While most newspapers and other popular media refer to this as the "Richter" magnitude, that is not correct. Richter's original scale, explicitly denoted with the symbol "ML" or "ML" (where "L" indicates "Local"), was developed for measuring the magnitude of earthquakes in the vicinity of southern California. While the "Richter" and moment magnitude scales are similar, they do differ, particularly for earthquakes stronger than about M 6.5, or deeper than about 50 km.

In general: where any source specifies magnitude on a scale other than "Richter", or uses "M" (or "m") with one or more other letters (such as ML, Mw, Ms, or mb), that can be relied on; use the table below to match the label and determine the proper code.

Where a newspaper or other popular media refers to the scale or magnitude of a recent earthquake as "Richter" it is probably the popular mis-identification of the moment magnitude scale. Best practice is to check with an authoritative source, such as the USGS or the International Seismic Centre (see below). USGS policy is that magnitudes in press releases, indicated as "M" without any additional characters, are implicitly moment magnitude. But: do not use the "w" code if the source does not actually say "Mw" or "moment magnitude scale". If you have a strong basis for believing moment magnitude is meant – e.g., because it is a USGS press release – use the "dot" code to indicate an implicit Mw. E.g.: {{M|.|5.7}}→ M5.7; {{M|.|link=y}}M.

If you are not sure of the scale, use {{M|?}}. See below on how to find authoritative magnitudes.

Data sources

Newspapers and other mass media are not reliable sources for earthquake magnitudes. It is preferable that earthquake magnitudes always be obtained from authoritative sources, such as the following.

  • The ANSS (Advanced National Seismic System) Composite Catalog, commonly known as "ComCat" is a near-realtime repository of earthquake information from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) and various regional data centers, with additional data from seismic networks around the world. Event pages for significant events generally have an executive summary, a tectonic overview, past earthquake history of that area, ShakeMaps, and other material. ComCat can be accessed in several ways:
  • Latest Earthquakes. In most cases there is an initial report within 10 to 30 minutes of all magnitude 5.0+ earthquakes globally, and magnitude 4.0+ earthquakes within the contiguous U.S. Note that the magnitudes and locations in the initial reports are only first-order approximations, which get revised in the following hours, days, and months.
All of these access methods link to event pages in the ANSS Comprehensive Catalog (ComCat), which can be cited using {{short-anss}} and {{cite_anss}}.
  • The On-Line Bulletin (IRIS mirror) incorporates several catalogs (databases). There are catalog-specific search functions for finding events constrained by date period, magnitude range, or region (by latitude and longitude, or Flinn-Engdahl regions). Data may be revised years later as more data is obtained or processes refined. This is the most complete, most authoritative, and preferred source for earthquake magnitudes and epicenters.
  • Event Bibliography (IRIS mirror) of scientific articles for notable events, indexed chronologically. (Useful for finding ISC event id.)
  • The ISC-GEM Global Instrumental Earthquake Catalogue: Definitive magnitudes for selected earthquakes since 1900. (Source id: GEM.)
Data from the ISC can cited using {{short-isc}} and {{cite isc}}.

Earthquake magnitudes are given on different scales because they measure different aspects of the event, or are measured in different ways. It is valid to list multiple magnitudes for an event (not to be confused with multiple events such as foreshocks, aftershocks, and doublet earthquakes). Estimates of magnitude may differ between networks and across time because of differences or changes in how the seismograms are read and the data processed. For details see the NMSOP-2 documentation (below).

Table of codes

These are the most commonly found scales of earthquake magnitude. Any scale not found in this table is mostly likely one of the following:

  • An intensity scale. See Seismic intensity scales for explanation. This template does not cover intensity scales.
  • A regional (or "local") scale used by some particular seismic network (or country). In general it is preferable to use one of the better known scales from the table. Exceptions are for historical reports; you will need to explicitly format as appropriate. If the scale has been properly calibrated (see MNSOP-2, Chapter 3, §3.2.4.3, p. 65) then "L" may be appropriate, along with the |src= parameter.
  • A technical scale. While these might come up in an article related to seismology, they are not appropriate for general description of earthquakes. If needed, please format appropriately. On first use be sure to add a footnote explaining the scale.

Be careful to distinguish upper- and lower-case "M/m", "B/b", "L/l", and "I/i". Other than that case is generally not significant, nor italicization or subscripting.

The examples in the table are representative, even comprehensive, but not complete.

Labels and codes for various earthquake magnitude scales
As seen in sources WP Code Mag. scale Cat. # Comments
IASPEI NMSOP USGS ISC BSSA
-- -- -- -- -- M ? Unspecified M_? 0 WP: scale is unspecified or indeterminate.
-- -- -- -- -- M ?? Needs verification M_?? 0 WP: the scale and/or magnitude needs verification.
-- -- -- -- -- M R? Dubious "Richter" M_R? 0 WP: "Richter" scale is asserted, but dubious.
UK Muk uk Unknown M_uk 0 Source says "unknown" scale. Might be 1954 MGR or MPAS mag.; see below (gr), or here.
ML Ml ML ML ML ML l Local ("Richter") M_L 0 §4.1. "Local" to Southern Calif. Adapted for other regions, but not necessarily comparable.
MJMA Mj MJMA MJMA jma JMA "Local" mag. M_jma 0 §3.2.4.7. Japanese Meteorological Agency. Also MJ or MJMA, but not Mw(JMA).
Mh Mh Mh h by "hand" M_h 0 Ad hoc methods for special cases
MTemplate:Ssub, MTemplate:Ssub MTemplate:Ssub MTemplate:Ssub M0 0 seismic moment M_0 0 "M zero". A physical value, basis of Mw. In Newton-meters or dyne-centimeters
Template:Mvar [[Seismic magnitude scales#M0|Template:Mvar]] 0tex seismic moment M_0tex 0 "M zero" as a math variable in text
M M M . moment mag. M_w. 0 dot: implicit Mw.
Mw Mw, w Mw Mw w moment mag. M_w 0 §4.7. Use only for explicit Mw, Mw, or mw.
Mww, ww Mww ww M_ww 0 Mw from centroid m.t.i. (moment tensor inversion) of W-phase.
Mwc, wc Mwc wc M_wc 0 Mw from centroid m.t.i. of long-period surface waves.
Mwb, wb Mwb wb M_wb 0 Mw from m.t.i. of long-period body waves.
Mwr, wr Mwr wr M_wr 0 Mw from m.t.i. of whole seismogram at regional distances.
Mwp, wp Mwp wp M_wp 0 Mw from integrated p-wave §3.2.8.2
Mwpd Mwpd wpd M_wpd 0 Mwp w/ duration §3.2.8.3
Mi Mi i M_i 0 Only if lower-case "i"! USGS synonym for Mwp
mb mb mb Mb mb mb b body-wave, short-period M_b 0 §4.3. Case sensitive: use "b"
mB mB -- M Mb(BB) mB B body-wave, broadband M_B 0 §4.2; Gutenberg, 1945b,c. Case sensitive: use "B".
mB_BB mB -- M Mb(BB) mBBB bbb body-wave, broadband M_Bbb 0 §4.2
mb_Lg mbLg mb_Lg, MLg mb(Lg) mbLg blg mb from Lg wave M_bLg 0 §3.2.4.4; §4.6; Nuttli, 1986. North America east of the Rocky Mountains, and other cratons
Mn MN mN n mb from Lg wave M_N 0 §3.2.4.4; §4.6; Nuttli, 1973. Same as mbLg
mBc mBc bc Cumulative body-wave M_Bc 0 §3.2.8.1
Ms Ms Ms Ms s surface wave M_s 0 §4.4. small "s": Gutenberg (1945a) ~20 s period s.w.; Ms_20
Ms MS MS MS S surface wave M_S 0 §4.4. Big "S": broadband s.w. (Ms_BB), or (older sources) mis-capitalized Ms
Ms_20 Ms Ms Ms Ms(20) Ms20 s20 surface-wave 20s M_s20 0 §4.4. 20 s period s.w. mag. per IASPEI
Ms_BB Ms -- MS Ms(BB) MsBB sbb surface wave broadband M_sbb 0 §4.5. Broadband s.w. mag. per IASPEI
Mz Mz z surface wave, vertical M_z 0 Measured from the vertical phase before that became standard.
Ms7 MS7 Ms7 s7 surface wave M_s7 0 Vertical phase on Chinese seismograph
MSn Msn sn surface wave M_sn 0 1-second period per Nuttli, 1983
MGR MGR MGR gr Gutenberg-Richter M_gr 0 1954 G-R version of Ms. Includes MPAS ("Pasadena")
MR MR r Rothe M_r 0 Not "Richter"! Averaged Ms per Rothe 1969
MLH MLH lh Russian Ms M_LH 0 Parts of Russia (Obninsk)
Mc Mc Mc c coda length M_c 0 §3.2.4.5
Md Md MD MD Md d duration M_d 0 §3.2.4.5. Many variants. Not JMA displacement mag.
Mt Mt t tsunami mag. M_t 0 §3.2.6.7. Used by PTWC
Mm Mm m mantle mag. M_m 0 §3.2.8.5. Used by PTWC
Me Me Me e energy mag. M_e 0 §3.2.7.2
K K-class K 0 See Energy class. Use Template:K
M(K) M(K) k K-class mag. M_K 0 Mag. calculated from "energy class" K
Mms Mms ms macroseismic M_ms 0 §3.2.6.6. Generic mag. estimated from macroseismic effects
Mfa, FA Mfa Mfa fa mb from felt-area M_fa 0 Stover & Coffman, 1999. Est. from extent of felt-area. Multiple methods.
MLa Mla la ML from felt-area M_la 0 ML est. from intensity reports; for Calif. and Hawaii
MI MI I ML from intensity M_I 0 Only if upper-case "I"! Est. from epicentral intensity.

Examples of use are from the International Association of Earth Physics and Interior (IASPEI), the first edition of the New Manual of Seismological Practice (NMSOP)(the second edition follows the IASPEI), the United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC), the International Seismological Centre (ISC), and the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America (BSSA), as summarized in table 3 of the IASPEI/MNSOP-2 Information Sheet 3.3. Additional magnitude scales from Chapter 3 of MNSOP-2, ISC documentation, the USGS, and a review of the literature. Section numbers under "Comments" are for either Chapter 3, or Information Sheet 3.3

Principal references on usage are:

  • Bormann, P., ed. (2012), New Manual of Seismological Observatory Practice 2 (NMSOP-2), Potsdam: IASPEI/GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, doi:10.2312/GFZ.NMSOP-2.

These sources also have extensive discussion and references on the derivation and comparison of the various scales.

The nomenclature style implemented here is adapted from IASPEI/MNSOP-2 Information Sheet 3.3. This style differs from IASPEI style mainly in using subscripts rather than underscores, and from BSSA style mainly in not using parentheses.

"Cat.": the Categories for tracking use of these various scales. "#" is the number of articles in that category.

See also