At 7:49 this morning a small earthquake occurred in the mountains behind Kemer.

According to the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute the quake measured 3.2 on the Richter scale and occurred some 12.5km below the surface on a known fault line.

The quake was of such low power many people will have not noticed it.

What is the Richter Scale?

The Richter Scale is the best known scale for measuring the magnitude of earthquakes. The magnitude value is proportional to the logarithm of the amplitude of the strongest wave during an earthquake. A recording of 7, for example, indicates a disturbance with ground motion 10 times as large as a recording of 6. The energy released by an earthquake increases by a factor of 30 for every unit increase in the Richter scale.

So what does that mean to the person on the street?

The table below describes what happens at different magnitudes:

<3.4 Mostly undetectable by humans

3.5 – 4.2 Noticeable indoors

4.3 – 4.8 Windows and doors rattle

4.9 – 5.4 Every one notices, lights swing and things may shake off shelves

5.5 – 6.1 Slight damage to buildings, plaster cracks, loose masonry will fall

6.2 – 6.9 Damage to buildings, foundations move and chimneys will fall

7.0 – 7.3 Serious damage – buildings may collapse

7.4 – 7.9 Major damage to roads, rail and all buildings

Over 8 Total damage, the ground will be seen to move

The above effects may be different depending on the structure of the ground. Those on unstable ground such as clay will feel greater effects than those on a stable ground such as granite.