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Latest Earthquakes by Category & Magnitude

Discover real-time earthquake data categorized by magnitude, intensity, and geographic regions. Learn how scientists measure and classify seismic activity worldwide.

2025 Global Earthquake Statistics

466,742

Total Earthquakes

1

Magnitude 8+

11

Magnitude 7-8

105

Magnitude 6-7

Earthquake Categories by Magnitude

Major Earthquakes
Magnitude 7.0+
Devastating earthquakes that cause widespread destruction and can be felt hundreds of miles away.

Kamchatka, Russia

M7.8

September 18, 2025 • Depth: 19.5 km

Major seismic event in the Pacific Ring of Fire

11 earthquakes in this category so far in 2025

Strong Earthquakes
Magnitude 6.0-6.9
Strong earthquakes that can cause significant damage in populated areas and are widely felt.

Pacific Ring of Fire

M6.0-6.9

Multiple events • Various depths

Increased activity along tectonic boundaries

105 earthquakes in this category so far in 2025

Moderate Earthquakes
Magnitude 5.0-5.9
Moderate earthquakes felt by most people, causing minor to moderate damage to structures.

Alaska, Aleutian Islands

M5.2

Recent • Oceanic region

Part of ongoing seismic activity in the region

1,545 earthquakes in this category so far in 2025

How Earthquake Magnitude is Calculated

📊 Richter Scale
The original logarithmic scale developed by Charles Richter in 1935

The Richter scale measures the amplitude of seismic waves recorded by seismographs. Each whole number increase represents a 10-fold increase in measured amplitude and approximately 31.6 times more energy release.

Formula:

M = log₁₀(A) - log₁₀(A₀)

Where A is the amplitude and A₀ is a reference amplitude

⚡ Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw)
The modern standard used by seismologists worldwide since the 1970s

The Moment Magnitude Scale measures the total energy released by an earthquake. It's more accurate for large earthquakes and is based on the seismic moment, which considers the area of the fault rupture, displacement, and rock rigidity.

Formula:

Mw = (2/3) × log₁₀(M₀) - 10.7

Where M₀ is the seismic moment in dyne-cm

Magnitude Scale Comparison

MagnitudeClassificationEffectsFrequency
8.0+GreatDevastating damage over large areas1 per year globally
7.0-7.9MajorSerious damage over large areas10-15 per year
6.0-6.9StrongDamage to buildings and structures100-150 per year
5.0-5.9ModerateFelt by most people, minor damage1,000-1,500 per year

Stay Informed About Seismic Activity

Understanding earthquakes helps us prepare for and respond to seismic events. Explore our comprehensive resources to learn more about earthquake science and safety.

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