Mercalli scale An earthquake-intensity scale based on direct observation. Devised by G.Mercalli, it ranges from scales I (not felt) and II (felt by most people at rest) to VII (difficult for a person to remain standing), X (most structures destroyed), and XII (total devastation). It is not a reliable scale for energy release because the extent of destruction depends on the local geology, type of buildings, etc. See also Richter scale.

Mercalli scale An earthquake-intensity scale based on direct observation. It ranges from scales I (not felt) and II (felt by most people at rest), to VII (difficult for a person to remain standing), X (most structures destroyed), and XII (total devastation). It is not a reliable scale for energy release because the extent of destruction depends on the local geology, type of buildings, etc. See also RICHTER MAGNITUDE SCALE.