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Frequency of earthquakes worldwide

Based on observations since 1900

Descriptor Magnitude Average Annually
Great 8 and higher 1
Major 7-7.9 18
Strong 6-6.9 120
Moderate 5-5.9 800
Light 4-4.9 6,200 (estimated)
Minor 3-3.9 49,000 (estimated)
Very Minor <3.0 Magnitude 2 - 3: about 1,000 per day
Magnitude 1-2: about 8,000 per day

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