Environmental Seismic Intensity scale
The ESI- scale (Environmental Seismic Intensity scale, also ESI 2007) is one of the International Union for Quaternary Research ( INQUA ) developed intensity scale for earthquakes. During their time of origin, it was designated by the name INQUA scale.
Unlike magnitude scales, such as the frequently quoted Richter scale, describe intensity scales such as the JMA scale, the EMS scale or the Mercalliskala the effects of an earthquake on the surface and can therefore for a single earthquake at different locations reflect different strengths.
History
The assessment of earthquakes in prehistoric times is very difficult, since neither the magnitude can be measured retrospectively, as well as the damage to buildings missing, which now serve as the basis of the common intensity scale. From the geological investigation of sediments evidence of prehistoric earthquakes are known. Especially in the geologically recent past of the Quaternary many of them are still preserved. For this reason, the Quaternary geologists efforts have been made within the scientific community to design an intensity scale for earthquakes, which relies solely on which of the effects of an earthquake, which can be observed in the natural environment.
1999, a working group of geologists, seismologists and engineers was launched during the 15th Congress of INQUA in Durban. The first version developed by this working group intensity scale was published as INQUA scale during the 16th Congress of INQUA in Reno and tested to 2007 by applying it to actual earthquake events. The participants of the 17th Congress of INQUA in Cairns agreed to the so improved scale, which was adopted under the official name Environmental Seismic Intensity Scale or short ESI 2007.
Properties
The ESI- scale is as many of today's intensity scale zwölfstufig and consists not only of the scale itself, but also from accompanying directives that describe the scientific background and the organization of the scale. In addition, the guidelines contain instructions for their use - in conjunction with the traditional damage-based intensity scale - as well as the description of the key features and the importance of technical terms, colors and fonts used.
To allow a comparison with the traditional intensity scale, the scale includes three stages (I - III), which have no impact on the environment. The description of these stages is therefore empty.
Table of ESI- intensity levels
Detailed description of the characteristics
The features listed in the table above are only brief summaries of the actual impact. They are described in detail in the definition of ESI- scale and include fine gradations of the effects of earthquakes and accompanying symptoms. The corresponding definitions of the individual effects are explained in more detail below.
The leading characters are assigned the following side effects:
- A) Hydrological anomalies
- B ) Abnormal waves / tsunamis
- C ) soil columns
- D) slope movements
- E) tree movements
- F) soil liquefaction
- G) dust clouds
- H) Skipping Stones
Stage IV
Main effects are missing. Side effects are:
A) Small changes in the water level in wells or the amount of water yield of sources appear quite ad hoc and limited. Very rare small physical and chemical changes or turbidity of the water from wells or springs are observed, especially in the larger sources of karst aquifers.
B ) development of a few centimeters high seiches in closed basins ( in lakes and in the sea) - typically in the remote area of earthquake - which are generally recorded only of levels, rarely also with the naked eye. Abnormal waves are perceived by all the people in small boats, by some in big boats, by most on the coast. Vibration and sometimes spilling the water in swimming pools is observed.
C) the emergence of a millimeter thick hairline cracks with suitable terrain (slopes, mountain ridges ) or in certain soil conditions (water- saturated soil, unconsolidated alluvial ).
D) In steep slopes near the critical angle and loose or water-saturated soil occurs sporadically to rockfall and small landslides, sometimes due to the revival of old sliding masses.
E) Weak tremor of branches.
Level V
Main effects are missing. Side effects are:
A) Rare and limited contact to small changes in water level in wells or the amount of water yield of sources. Likewise, isolated small physical and chemical changes or turbidity of the water of lakes, wells or springs are observed.
B ) development of a few feet high seiches in closed basins ( in lakes and in the sea) - typically in the remote area of earthquake - which are sometimes detected with the naked eye. Abnormal waves of a few tens of centimeters height be noticed by all people in boats and on the coast. Spillage of water from swimming pools.
C ) Limited occurrence of millimeter-thin cracks with a length of a few centimeters to a meter in suitable terrain (slopes, mountain ridges ), or in certain soil conditions (water- saturated soil, unconsolidated alluvial ).
D) Chance of rockfalls and landslides., not only in steep slopes near the critical angle, usually with loose debris or water-saturated soil Submarine landslides can be triggered that may produce small abnormal waves on the shores of the lake and the sea.
E) branches and bushes shake slightly, very rarely drop dead branches and ripe fruit to the ground.
F) Extremely rare observations of soil liquefaction ( " aufkochender " quicksand ) in very limited areas, for example, silt ) are prone to it due to high groundwater levels and appropriate soil conditions (.
Level VI
Main effects are missing. Side effects are:
A) occur Spatially limited to significant changes in the water level in wells or the amount of water yield of sources. Likewise, small physical and chemical changes or turbidity of the water of lakes, wells or springs are observed.
B ) abnormal waves of several decimetres height flood very limited areas of the shore. Spillage of water from swimming pools, small ponds and pools.
C ) With a suitable soil conditions (water- saturated soil, unconsolidated alluvial ) occasional appearance of millimeter - to centimeter- wide cracks with a length of up to several meters, which can be 1-2 cm open on steep slopes or river banks. Some small cracks in paved road.
D) rockfall and landslides with a volume of up to 1,000 m3 especially on steep slopes and road cuts near the critical angle, mostly of loose water-saturated sediments or highly weathered and brittle rock. Submarine landslides can be triggered which create every now and then small, especially of measuring instruments recorded, abnormal waves on the shores of lake and sea.
E) branches and bushes shake moderately to strong, depending on the tree species, the health and the fruit load break a few trees and unstable dead branches and fall to the ground.
F) Rare observations of soil liquefaction ( " aufkochender " quicksand ) in very limited areas, for example, silt ) are prone to it due to high groundwater levels and appropriate soil conditions (.
Stage VII
Main effects are observed very rarely, mainly in volcanic areas. Above all, very shallow quake produce limited surface breaks of a few hundred meters in length and a few centimeters displacement.
Side effects affect an area in the order of 10 km2.
A) occur Spatially limited to temporarily clear changes in the water level in wells or the amount of water yield of sources. Rarely temporarily dry up or development of small sources. Likewise, local small physical and chemical changes or turbidity of the water of lakes, wells or springs are observed.
B ) abnormal waves of more than one meter above the flood limited areas of the shore and damage objects of different size or flush them away. Spillage of water from small pools and streams.
C ) With a suitable soil conditions (water- saturated soil, unconsolidated alluvial ) an incidence of 5 to 10 inches wide cracks with a length of up to a hundred meters. In dry sand, sandy silt and clay in rare cracks up to a width of 1 centimeter are observed. Centimeters wide cracks in paved road.
D) Scattered occurrence of landslides, in some cases with a volume of up to 10,000 m3 especially on steep slopes and road cuts near the critical angle, usually with loose or water-saturated sediments. Rockfall occurred mainly in steep ravines and cliffs. In dry soil of sand, sandy silt or clay, the mass movements to reach a volume of up to 100 m3. Major submarine landslides can be triggered which create abnormal waves on the shores of lake and sea, which are noticed by people in boats and harbors.
E ) Trees and bushes shake strongly, especially in densely -covered forests break a lot of trees and unstable dead branches and fall to the ground.
F) Rare observations of soil liquefaction ( " aufkochender " quicksand up to 50 cm in diameter) in very limited areas, which are eg silt ) susceptible due to high groundwater levels and appropriate soil conditions (.
Stage VIII
Main effects are rarely observed. Above all, very shallow quake, as they often occur in volcanic regions, generate limited surface breaks of a few hundred meters in length and a few centimeters displacement. In addition, tectonic uplift or subsidence of the earth's surface occur over a few centimeters.
Side effects affect an area in the order of 100 km2.
A) The water bed or the outlet height of sources varies, usually temporarily. Sometimes temporarily dry up or development of small sources. Observed changes in the water level in wells. Small physical and chemical changes of water are detectable, usually changes in temperature. A turbidity of the water can be observed in closed lakes, rivers, wells or springs. In some places occurs from gas, usually containing sulfur.
B ) abnormal waves of one to two feet above flood near-shore areas and damage objects of different size or flush them away. Erosion and debris flow deposition occurs along the coasts. Undermining and drifting some shrubs and small, poorly rooted trees. Violent spillover of water from small pools and streams.
C ) With a suitable soil conditions (water- saturated soil, unconsolidated alluvial ) high incidence of up to 50 centimeters wide cracks with a length of up to a hundred meters. In rare cases, cracks of up to 1 cm in width are observed in hard rock. Dezimeterbreite cracks and small Druckwellungen the surface occur in paved road.
D) appearance of small and medium-sized landslide with a volume of 1,000 to 100,000 m3 in appropriate areas, rarely also on gentle slopes. In deposits near the critical angle, such as on steep slopes with loose or water-saturated sediments and rock fall masses in ravines and on steep coastal landslides can reach a large amount ( 100,000 to 1,000,000 m3). Landslides can narrow valleys block and thus lead to the creation of a temporary or permanent dam. Fractures, landslides and rock falls affect riverbanks, artificial embankments and excavations such as road cuts and quarries in unconsolidated sediments and weathered rock. Frequently undersea landslides are triggered.
E) trees are shaken vigorously, breaking tree branches and fall to the ground, especially on steep slopes where the trees are uprooted.
F ) Soil liquefaction can often be in the area of the epicenter in suitable soil conditions, here occur mainly " aufkochender " quicksand up to one meter in diameter and apparent fountains in still water, strain the surface and subsidence up to 30 cm. In parallel to the banks of rivers, lakes, canals and sea coast, forming columns.
G) In dry areas dust clouds may rise in the area of the epicenter.
H) rocks and even small rocks and fallen tree trunks can be thrown into the air, her re meeting leaves typical tracks in soft ground.
Stage IX
Main effects such as surface cracks of a few kilometers in length and a few centimeters displacement are frequently observed. In addition, tectonic uplift or subsidence of the earth's surface occur over a few feet.
Side effects affect an area in the order of 1,000 km2.
A) The water yield or the location of sources varies considerably, usually temporarily. Sometimes it comes to the drying up of medium-sized sources. Often, transient changes in the water level in wells. Small physical and chemical changes of water from wells or springs are detectable, usually changes in temperature. A turbidity of the water can be observed in closed lakes, rivers, wells or springs. In some places occurs from gas, usually containing sulfur. In places, the result is inflammation of the gas and the vegetation near the exit point can burn.
B ) development of several meters high waves in still and running waters, relocation of watercourses in flood levels by subsidence, appearance and disappearance of small water basin. Depending on unterseeischem or untermeerischem terrain relief tsunamis can occur several meters high, flooding the wide areas and pose a danger to humans and animals. Erosion and debris flow deposition occurs along the entire coast. Undermining and drifting of bushes and trees.
C ) With a suitable soil conditions (water- saturated soil, unconsolidated alluvial ) high incidence of up to 100 cm wide cracks with a length of up to several hundred meters. Cracks up to 10 inches width are observed in hard rock. Wide cracks and small Druckwellungen the surface occur in paved road.
D) landslides are frequent, even on gentle slopes. In deposits near the critical angle, such as on steep slopes with loose or water-saturated sediments and rock fall masses in ravines and on steep coastal landslides can be a great or very great extent reach ( 100,000 to 1,000,000 m3). Landslides can narrow valleys block and thus lead to the creation of a temporary or permanent dam. Fractures, landslides and rock falls affect riverbanks, artificial embankments and excavations such as road cuts and quarries in unconsolidated sediments and weathered rock. Frequently submarine landslides near the coast are triggered.
E ) Trees are shaken violently, branches and thin tree trunks often break and fall to the ground, especially on steep slopes where the trees are uprooted.
F) soil liquefaction and the surge of water are common, occur here especially " aufkochender " quicksand up to three meters in diameter and apparent fountains in carbonated water, often stretching the surface and subsidence of more than 30 cm. In parallel to the banks of rivers, lakes, canals and sea coast, forming columns.
G) In dry areas can ascend dust clouds.
H ) Small rocks and fallen tree trunks can be thrown into the air and walk according to their shape and the terrain slope several meters, it re meeting leaves typical tracks in soft ground.
Level X
Main effects exceed the side effects. Surface breaks of a few tens of kilometers in length and a few centimeters to a few meters offset are frequently observed in volcanic areas, the length of fractures in very shallow soil earthquakes be much larger. Burglary ditches and elongated depressions develop. In addition, tectonic uplift or subsidence of the earth's surface occur over a few meters.
Side effects affect an area in the order of 5,000 km2.
A) The water bed or the outlet height of many sources varies considerably. Sometimes it comes to a temporary or complete cessation of some sources. Often, transient changes in the water level in wells. Some steep physical and chemical changes of water from wells or springs are detectable, usually changes in temperature. A siltation of water can be observed even in large lakes and in rivers, wells or springs. In some places occurs from gas, usually containing sulfur. In places, the result is inflammation of the gas and the vegetation near the exit point can burn.
B ) development of several meters high waves even in large still and running waters, which may leave her bed. Temporary or permanent relocation of watercourses in flood levels by subsidence; Appearance and disappearance of water basin. Depending on unterseeischem or untermeerischem terrain relief and the formation of the coast caused tsunamis of more than 5 meters in height, which penetrate several kilometers into the country and can ergomonic small boulders many meters. Deep-seated erosion occurs along the entire coastline, which can alter the coastline significantly. Undermining and drifting of bankside trees.
C ) With a suitable soil conditions (water- saturated soil, unconsolidated alluvial ) frequent occurrence of more than 1 meter open cracks with a length of up to several hundred meters. Cracks of several decimetres width are observed in hard rock. Wide cracks and Druckwellungen the surface arise in paved road.
D ) Large landslides and rock falls greater than 100,000 to 1,000,000 m3 are common, regardless of the equilibrium state of mountain slopes. The landslides can narrow valleys block and so lead to the creation of a temporary or permanent dam. River banks, artificial embankments and walls of artificial excavations such as road cuts and quarries collapse. Roads and embankments can be seriously damaged. Frequently submarine landslides near the coast are triggered.
E ) Trees are shaken violently, breaking many branches and tree trunks and fall to the ground, some trees are uprooted.
F) soil liquefaction in combination with surge of water and soil compaction change the look further zones, here occur mainly sand volcanoes with up to six meters in diameter. Ratios reach a height of more than one meter. Wide and long columns due to the elongation of the surface are common.
G) In dry areas mostly rise on clouds of dust.
H) rocks are thrown with more than 2 to 3 meters in diameter in the air and even in low terrain slope hundreds of feet walking across the floor. This typical traces arise in soft ground.
Level XI
Main effects predominate. Surface breaks of a few tens of kilometers to more than a hundred kilometers in length and with several meters displacement occur. Burglary trenches, pressing back and elongated depressions develop, drainage patterns can be greatly changed. In addition, tectonic uplift or subsidence of the earth's surface occur over many meters.
Side effects affect an area in the order of 10,000 km2.
A) The water bed or the outlet height of many sources varies considerably. Frequently it comes to temporary or complete drying up of sources. Often, transient changes in the water level in wells. Some steep physical and chemical changes of water from wells or springs are detectable, usually changes in temperature. A strong siltation of water can be observed even in large lakes and in rivers, wells or springs. In some places, gas escapes, often sulphurous. In places, the result is inflammation of the gas and the vegetation near the exit point can burn.
B ) development of several meters high waves in large still and running waters, which may leave her bed. Temporary or permanent relocation of watercourses in flood levels by subsidence; Appearance and disappearance of water basin. Depending on unterseeischem or untermeerischem terrain relief and the formation of the coast caused tsunamis of more than 15 meters in height, which penetrate several kilometers into the country and can ergomonic meter-sized boulders over a large distance. Deep-seated erosion occurs along the entire coastline, which can alter the coastline significantly. Undermining and drifting of bankside trees.
C ) With a suitable soil conditions (water- saturated soil, unconsolidated alluvial ) frequent occurrence of several meters open cracks. Cracks of up to one meter in width are observed in hard rock. Very wide cracks and strong Druckwellungen the surface occur in paved road.
D ) Large landslides and rock falls greater than 100,000 to 1,000,000 m3 are common, regardless of the equilibrium state of hillsides, and occur to a lesser extent even in 200 to 300 kilometers from the epicenter. The landslides frequently block narrow valleys and thus contribute to the creation of a temporary or permanent dam. River banks, artificial embankments and walls of artificial excavations such as road cuts and quarries collapse. Roads and embankments can be seriously damaged. Frequently large submarine landslides near the coast are triggered.
E ) Trees are shaken violently, breaking many branches and tree trunks and fall to the ground, some trees are uprooted.
F) changes the appearance of extensive soil liquefaction zones, here are particular many large sand volcanoes. Ratios reach a height of several meters. Strong expansion of the surface is common.
G) In dry areas rise to clouds of dust.
H) rocks several meters in diameter can be thrown in the air and even under low terrain slope hundreds of feet walking across the floor. This typical traces arise in soft ground.
Stage XII
Main effects predominate. Surface fractures with at least several hundred kilometers in length and with a few tens of meters offset to occur. Burglary trenches, pressing back and elongated depressions develop, drainage patterns can be greatly changed. Changes in the landscape and surface forms by the main effects can be greatly extended and large. Examples of such changes are altering the coast height of several meters, appearance or disappearance of important landscape elements or by lakes, change of river courses, formation of waterfalls.
Side effects affect an area in the order of 50,000 km2, and more.
A) The water bed or the outlet height of many sources varies considerably. Frequently it comes to temporary or complete drying up of sources. Often, transient changes in the water level in wells. High physical and chemical changes of the water from wells or springs can be detected, most of changes of the temperature. A strong siltation of water can be observed even in large lakes and in rivers, wells or springs. In some places, gas escapes, often sulphurous. In places, the result is inflammation of the gas and the vegetation near the exit point can burn.
B ) formation of giant waves in large still and running waters, leaving their bed. Temporary or permanent relocation of watercourses, or even the direction of flow in flood levels by subsidence and landslides; Appearance and disappearance of large water basin. Depending on unterseeischem or untermeerischem terrain relief and the formation of the coast caused tsunamis of several tens of meters, which penetrate several kilometers into the country and large boulders can ergomonic over a large distance. Deep-seated erosion occurs along the entire coastline, which can alter the coastline completely. Frequently scour and drifting of bankside trees. All boats are torn from their anchorage and washed away or worn over some long distances inland. All persons who are outside are washed away.
C ) More than ten meters and open to several kilometers long cracks in water-saturated soil or unconsolidated alluvial, cracks of more than one meter in width are observed in hard rock.
D ) Large landslides and rock falls greater than 100,000 to 1,000,000 m3 are common, regardless of the equilibrium state of hillsides, and occur in 200 to 300 kilometers from the epicenter in large size. The landslides frequently block narrow valleys and thus contribute to the creation of a temporary or permanent dam. River banks, artificial embankments and walls of artificial excavations such as road cuts and quarries collapse. Roads and embankments can be seriously damaged. Often very large submarine landslides near the coast are triggered.
E ) Trees are shaken violently, breaking many branches and tree trunks and fall to the ground, some trees are uprooted.
F) changes the appearance of extensive soil liquefaction zones, here are particular many large sand volcanoes. Ratios reach a height of several meters. Very strong expansion of the surface is common.
G) In dry areas rise to clouds of dust.
H) Even very large rocks can be thrown in the air and even in low terrain slope hundreds of feet walking across the floor. This typical traces arise in soft ground.