Richter Scale
On December 26, 2004 an enormous earthquake shook the earth with a rank on the Richter Scale of 9.1-9.3. The earthquake is the third largest to ever be recorded on a seismograph. It was also one of the longest quakes, lasting 8.3-10 minutes long. The earthquake was so strong that it shook or vibrated the earth 4 centimeters. This vibration caused earthquakes as far as Alaska.
Mercalli Scale
On the Mercalli Scale this earthquake ranked IX (9) out of XII (12). The Mercalli Scale describes a 12: Few structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed. Broad fissures in ground. Underground pipelines completely out of service. Earth slumps and land slips in soft ground. Rails bent greatly. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said, " The earthquake was felt (IX) at Banda Aceh, (VIII) at Meulaboh and (IV) at Medan, Sumatra and (III-V) in parts of Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.