# Classifying Earthquakes Several methods exist for classifying earthquakes. The [[Richter Magnitude Scale]] classifies earthquakes based on the released energy. On the other hand, the [[Mercalli Intensity Scale]], and the Japanese [[Shindo Seismic Scale]], both classify earthquakes based on their effects, and not on released energy. Energy and effects are not necessarily correlated, as shallow earthquakes generally have much greater effects than deep ones.