earthquake update

Initial reports



Size = 4.7
Size = 5.0... which is much bigger than 4.7
Size = 6.0! This is much, much bigger than 5.0
Size = 5.9

Okay -- I have no idea how big that quake was and neither do the scientists. We'll have to wait a few hours for them to figure it out.

Based in Paso Robles (about 35 minutes north-east of me, where we had the big one last December). But we had another one just a second ago -- much smaller, but still. Nothing like a little 'quake to get your blood pumping. ;) Cuz you never know... is it going to get bigger? Keep going? Should I duck and cover?

Meanwhile, here is an explanation on the Richter scale and why 5.0 is so much bigger than 4.7 and why 6.0 is considered a monster quake.

• The Richter Scale measures the earthquake's magnitude


• Each number on the Richter Scale is ten times greater in wave amplitude


• Each number on the Richter Scale involves an energy release about 32 times as great.


• A magnitude 4.0 earthquake releases 600000000000 millions ergs


• A magnitude 5.0 earthquake releases 20000000000000 millions ergs


• A magnitude 6.0 earthquake releases 600000000000000 millions ergs

This is a great page that explains what the different numbers feel like.