Refining is inevitable in science when you have made measurements of a phenomenon for a long period of time.
Charles Francis RichterRead
Magnitude may be compared to the power output in kilowatts of a [radio] broadcasting station; local intensity, on the Mercalli or similar scale, is then comparable to the signal strength noted on a receiver at a given locality. Intensity, like signal strength, will generally fall off with distance from the source; it will also depend on local conditions at the point of observation, and to some extent on the conditions along the path from source to that point.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote explains how magnitude and intensity of a phenomenon can vary based on distance and local conditions.
Charles Francis Richter illustrates the relationship between magnitude and intensity by comparing it to radio broadcasting. He emphasizes that the intensity of a signal, akin to an earthquake's impact, diminishes with distance from the source and is influenced by local circumstances at the observation point, highlighting the complexity of measuring such phenomena in different environments.
Themes
MagnitudeIntensitySignal StrengthDistanceLocal Conditions
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about earthquake preparedness, one could quote this to explain how intensity varies based on location.
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I have a sense of humor; but over the years that sense has developed one blind spot. I can no longer laugh at ignorance or stupidity. Those are our chief enemies, and it is dangerous to make fun of them.
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