The Modified Mercalli scale (from 1 to 12) measures earthquakes by the intensity of shaking observed. Reports from historical records and diaries have been used to compile this map of the 1929 Murchison earthquake. Beginning with a measurement of 8 at the epicentre, the isoseismal lines spread outwards, recording the impact further afield. The earthquake was felt in most parts of New Zealand, with the most severe shaking at the northern end of the South Island. Seventeen people were killed by the earthquake.
Using this item
Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Source: G. L. Downes, Atlas of isoseismal maps of New Zealand earthquakes. Lower Hutt: Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, 1995.
Add new comment