Intensity Scale ESI 2007 for Assessing Earthquake Intensities

Earthquake intensity scales were introduced at the end of the nineteenth century (e.g., Rossi-Forel, Cancani, Mercalli) in order to characterize source parameters, damage distribution, and environmental impact of relevant seismic events. These intensity scales were based on a classification of earthquake effects on humans, on buildings, and on the natural environment.

Intensity provides a measure of earthquake-induced damage both at a site (local intensity) and at the epicenter (epicentral intensity). It is important to note that intensity evaluations consider the coseismic effects in the whole range of frequencies of vibratory ground motion, together with those resulting from static, finite deformations (fault ground ruptures).