Sometimes earthquakes are referred to by the maximum intensity they produce. In the United States, we use the Modified Mercalli (MMI) Scale. The Mercalli Scale is based on observable earthquake damage. ... For example a level I-V on the Mercalli scale would represent a small amount of observable damage.

Does the Mercalli scale measure damage?

Explanation: The Mercalli Intensity Scale is a method of measuring earthquake intensity. It measures the damage from earthquakes and the observed effects.

What does the Mercalli scale not tell you?

Unlike with the Richter scale, the Mercalli scale does not take into account energy of an earthquake directly. Rather, they classify earthquakes by the effects they have (and the destruction they cause). When there is little damage, the scale describes how people felt the earthquake, or how many people felt it.