Define moment magnitude of earthquake? How is it different from the local magnitude?

Moment magnitude (Mw) is a measure of the size or magnitude of an earthquake, specifically

quantifying the total energy released during an earthquake. It is based on the seismic moment of
the earthquake, which considers the area of the fault that slipped, the average amount of slip
along the fault, and the rigidity of the rocks involved.
The moment magnitude scale is logarithmic, similar to the local magnitude scale (also known as
the Richter scale), which is a measure of the amplitude of seismic waves recorded by
seismographs. However, there are some key differences between moment magnitude and local
magnitude:
Scale Range: The moment magnitude scale has a broader range and can accurately measure a
wider range of earthquake sizes. It can be applied to both small and large earthquakes, from the
very weak to the extremely strong. Local magnitude, on the other hand, is better suited for
measuring moderate to large earthquakes but may underestimate the size of very large
earthquakes.
Physical Quantity: Moment magnitude is directly related to the total energy released during an
earthquake, which is a physical quantity. It represents the actual strength of the earthquake in
terms of energy release. Local magnitude, on the other hand, is a measure of the amplitude of
seismic waves recorded by seismographs, which provides an indication of the ground shaking at
a specific location.
Source Information: Moment magnitude takes into account more detailed source information
about the earthquake, including the size of the fault that slipped and the amount of slip. This
information provides a more accurate estimation of the earthquake's size and energy release.
Local magnitude relies primarily on the amplitude of waves recorded at a single seismic station,
without considering the underlying source parameters.
Consistency: Moment magnitude is more consistent and reliable than local magnitude,
particularly for larger and distant earthquakes. It provides a standardized measure that can be
consistently applied across different seismic networks and regions. Local magnitude can vary
depending on the distance between the earthquake source and the recording station and the local
geological conditions.
Overall, moment magnitude is considered a more robust and comprehensive measure of
earthquake size compared to local magnitude. It provides a more accurate assessment of the
earthquake's energy release and is widely used by seismologists and earthquake engineers for
studying and assessing seismic hazards.