Resources / Glossary

Monitoring Glossary.

Quick reference for core terms used across Quakrs monitors and data pages.

Seismic Terms

Magnitude (M): Logarithmic measure of released seismic energy.
Intensity (MMI): Observed shaking impact at a location, not total released energy.
Hypocenter: Subsurface origin point of rupture.
Epicenter: Surface point directly above the hypocenter.
Depth: Hypocenter depth in kilometers.

Tsunami Terms

Warning: Hazard expected or occurring, immediate protective action required.
Watch: Potential hazard under evaluation, be prepared to evacuate.
Advisory: Strong currents or dangerous waves possible.
Statement: Informational update without immediate severe impact.
All-clear: Official notice indicating hazardous wave threat has ended.

Space Weather Terms

Kp Index: Planetary geomagnetic disturbance index (0 to 9).
G-Scale: NOAA geomagnetic storm classification (G1 to G5).
Solar Wind: Charged particles emitted by the Sun.
CME: Coronal mass ejection that can trigger geomagnetic storms.
X-ray Class: Solar flare intensity class (A, B, C, M, X) from GOES flux.