Mercalli intensity scale Mercalli intensity scale The Mercalli intensity scale is a seismic intensity scale used for measuring the intensity of an earthquake. It measures the "effects" of an earthquake. It is distinct from the moment magnitude ("M") usually reported for an earthquake, which is a measure of the "energy" released (sometimes misreported as the Richter magnitude, "M"). The intensity of an earthquake is not entirely determined by its magnitude. It is not based on first physical principles, but is, instead, empirically based on observed effects. The Mercalli scale quantifies the effects of an earthquake on the Earth's surface, humans, objects of nature,
Frankston, Victoria in or near the suburb of Frankston have occurred in 1932, 1978, 1980, 2009 and 2014. The most recent, on 15 March 2014, measured 2.2 on the Richter magnitude scale. The largest, on 22 September 2009, measured 3.0 on the Richter scale. Olivers Hill is the most prominent elevation in Frankston which rises to 55 metres above sea level (180 feet) at its highest point in the suburb. Its origins date to approximately 415 to 360 million years ago. Its base is Mount Eliza Granite dating from the Devonian period, which was covered in lava tuffs in the Paleogene period.