The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on something called “The Moment Magnitude Scale,” which replaced the Richter Scale as the method of measuring the size of earthquakes.

An earthquake’s magnitude is a measurement of energy release and ground motion. Additionally, the larger the magnitude of an earthquake the longer the duration. In measuring earthquakes, seismometers placed geographically radiating out from the earthquake’s origin (epicenter) are used and a mathematical scale combines these readings to create an overall magnitude number.

So, the bottom line is no earthquake simulator of any kind creates or replicates a “magnitude” of any size. It is just not possible. Seismometers positioned miles away from the Quake Cottage won’t register its energy release.

What the Quake Cottage does is produce an earthquake-type of “Intensity” — which is the strength or force of the motion. Riders in the simulator experience about 25 seconds of 1g of motion. That g-force can happen in a 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, or 9.0 earthquake. The 25-second duration is common with earthquakes around a 7-7.5.

The Quake Cottage does not replicate a Magnitude of any size but replicates the intensity of large earthquakes.