10 Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

Earthquakes have destroyed many cities and taken many lives over the course of history. Unfortunately, as of now, Man is yet to discover a way to predict earthquakes. Seismologists are only able to rate the intensity of an earthquake (Moment Magnitude Scale) after its occurrence by measuring the amount of energy released. Methods have been devised to preempt earthquakes.

However, in front of the most powerful quakes, most preemptive methods are rendered ineffective. Following is a list of the ten earthquakes with the largest magnitudes in recorded history.


1960 Valdivia Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

1964 Alaska Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

1952 Kamchatka Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

2011 Sendai Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

1833 Sumatra Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

1906 Ecuador-Colombia Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

2010 Chile Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

1700 Cascadia Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes

1730 Valparaiso Earthquake

Most Powerful Recorded Earthquakes