What term describes the measure of the energy released during an earthquake?

The measure of the energy released during an earthquake is referred to as magnitude. Magnitude quantifies the overall size of the earthquake and is determined using instruments like seismographs, which capture the seismic waves produced by the event. This measurement is crucial since it provides a numerical value that allows scientists to compare the energy released by different earthquakes.

Magnitude is distinct from intensity, which pertains to the effects of an earthquake at various locations and the damage experienced by people and structures. Amplitude refers to the height of the seismic waves measured on a seismograph and is related to the magnitude but does not directly measure energy release in the same way. Severity, while it may convey the seriousness of an earthquake's impacts, is not a standardized scientific term used to describe the energy release. Therefore, magnitude is the appropriate term for the measure of energy released during an earthquake.