Earthquake Energy Release Calculator
Estimate the seismic energy released by an earthquake by entering its magnitude on the Richter or moment magnitude scale.
Actual earthquake energy can vary; for educational use only.
Examples
- Magnitude 5.0 tremor ⇒ 1.99 × 10¹² J (roughly 475 tons of TNT)
- Magnitude 6.2 quake ⇒ 7.94 × 10¹³ J (about 19 kilotons of TNT)
- Magnitude 7.8 megaquake ⇒ 3.98 × 10¹⁶ J (similar to 9.5 megatons of TNT)
FAQ
What formula does the tool rely on?
It uses the Gutenberg–Richter relationship: energy (J) = 10^(1.5 × magnitude + 4.8).
Which unit do the results use?
The output is seismic energy in joules (J), the SI unit for work and energy.
Can I convert the energy to TNT equivalent?
Yes. Divide the joule value by 4.184e9 to express it as tons of TNT, or by 4.184e12 for kilotons.
Is the calculation valid for large earthquakes?
The approximation holds well across magnitudes but reported values may include adjustments from detailed seismic models.
Additional Information
- Seismologists estimate radiated seismic energy with the formula E = 10^(1.5M + 4.8).
- Moment magnitude (Mw) and older Richter values align closely for moderate events, so the conversion works for most public reports.
- The calculator outputs joules; multiply by 0.000000239 to express the energy in kilowatt-hours if needed.
- Actual ground shaking depends on depth, geology, and distance, so always consult official hazard bulletins for safety guidance.