The strongest-earthquakes view sorts the selected time window by preferred magnitude. It answers a narrow question— which reported events are largest in the current results—without claiming that magnitude alone determines damage or risk.
The list changes with the chosen hour, day, or week feed and minimum-magnitude threshold. Preliminary magnitudes can also move up or down as additional data are analyzed.
How strongest earthquakes are ranked
EarthQuakeTracker compares the numeric preferred magnitude supplied for each event and orders the result from highest to lowest. It does not calculate a new magnitude or combine different impact measures into the ranking. Events without a usable magnitude cannot be meaningfully placed above measured events.
Why magnitude is not a damage ranking
Consequences depend on depth, distance, rupture direction, local geology, population exposure, building vulnerability, and secondary hazards. A powerful deep or remote earthquake can have limited reported impact, while a smaller shallow event close to vulnerable communities may be more disruptive.
Use intensity maps, PAGER, tsunami information, and local official reports when the question concerns effects rather than source size.
Comparing earthquake magnitudes accurately
Magnitude scales are logarithmic, and multiple magnitude types exist. The preferred source value is the best concise comparison available in the feed, but research-quality comparisons should check magnitude type, review status, and the latest authoritative event record.