What is the name of the scale used to assess the effects or damage caused by an earthquake at a specific location?

The Modified Mercalli scale is specifically designed to assess the effects and damage caused by an earthquake as experienced at a particular location. Unlike magnitude scales, which measure the energy released at the earthquake's source, the Modified Mercalli scale captures the observable effects of the earthquake, including structural damage and human perceptions. It uses a series of descriptive categories ranging from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction), reflecting how people felt the earthquake, the damage to buildings, and the overall impact on terrain and the environment.

This scale provides a subjective measurement based on physical observations and local experiences, making it particularly valuable for assessing the real-world impacts of seismic events rather than just their geological origins. Its emphasis on human experience and physical damage distinguishes it from more quantitative measures like the Richter scale and the moment magnitude scale, which focus on the energy released and seismic wave measurements. Hence, the Modified Mercalli scale is the most appropriate tool for evaluating earthquake effects at a specific location.