Summary:
4.2 magnitude earthquake felt in Faial and Pico Islands.
Epicenter located 44 kilometers northwest of Capelo.
Maximum intensity reported as V in several areas of Faial.
Intensity IV felt in Pico and other locations.
Understanding the Richter scale and Modified Mercalli Scale classifications.
Earthquake Details
A 4.2 magnitude earthquake was felt today in the Faial and Pico islands of the Azores, according to the Azores Seismic and Volcanic Information Center (CIVISA). The quake occurred at 07:53 local time (08:53 in Lisbon) with its epicenter approximately 44 kilometers northwest of Capelo, Faial Island.
Areas Affected
The earthquake was reported to have a maximum intensity of V on the Modified Mercalli Scale in areas such as Cedros, Flamengos, Castelo Branco, Feteira, Conceição, Matriz, Praia do Almoxarife, Praia do Norte, and Capelo, within the municipality of Horta on Faial Island. It was also felt with intensity IV in Salão, Pedro Miguel, and Ribeirinha (Horta municipality, Faial Island) and in Candelária and Bandeiras (Madalena municipality, Pico Island).
Understanding the Scales
According to the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified based on their magnitude:
- Micro: less than 2.0
- Very small: 2.0-2.9
- Small: 3.0-3.9
- Light: 4.0-4.9
- Moderate: 5.0-5.9
- Strong: 6.0-6.9
- Major: 7.0-7.9
- Great: 8.0-8.9
- Exceptional: 9.0-9.9
- Extreme: above 10
The Modified Mercalli Scale measures the intensity and corresponding descriptions of the quake's impact.
- Intensity III: Weak; felt indoors, similar to heavy vehicle vibrations.
- Intensity IV: Moderate; objects sway, and vibrations resemble heavy vehicles passing.
- Intensity V: Strong; felt outdoors, can identify motion direction, and liquids may spill.
With this degree, doors may swing, and pendulum clocks may stop or change their oscillation state.
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