An earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale was felt this Friday, November 7, on the Azorean island of Faial, reported the Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Surveillance Center (CIVISA).
According to CIVISA, the earthquake was recorded at 6:49 pm (one more hour in Lisbon) and had its epicenter approximately 46 kilometers north-northwest of Capelo, in the municipality of Horta, on the island of Faial.
“According to the information available so far, the earthquake was felt with maximum intensity III/IV (Modified Mercalli scale) in Capelo, Matriz, Flamengos and Cedros (Horta municipality)”is referred to.
According to the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified according to their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), slight (4.0-4.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), strong (6.0-6.9), large (7.0-7.9), important (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9) and extreme. (when greater than 10).
The Modified Mercalli scale measures “degrees of intensity and respective description”.
With intensity III, considered weak, the shock is felt inside the house and hanging objects swing, feeling a “vibration similar to that caused by the passage of heavy vehicles”, describes the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere on its website.
With an intensity IV, considered moderate, “suspended objects swing, the vibration is similar to that caused by the passing of heavy vehicles or the sensation of a heavy ball hitting the walls, parked cars sway, windows, doors and dishes shake, glass and dishes rattle or clank and at the upper part of this degree the walls and wooden structures creak”according to IPMA.