Earthquake Scales

Which earthquake scale measures the total energy released by an earthquake?

• B) Moment Magnitude Scale

• A) Seismic Intensity Scale

• C) Earthquake Severity Scale

• D) Tsunami Impact Scale

What does the Richter Scale primarily measure?

• C) The energy released by an earthquake

• B) The amount of damage an earthquake causes

• D) The speed of seismic waves

• A) The intensity of shaking felt by people

The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale is based on:

• A) The amount of energy released by an earthquake

• B) Seismograph readings from around the world

• D) The depth of the earthquake's focus

• C) Observations of shaking and damage

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake releases how much more energy than a magnitude 5.0 earthquake on the Richter scale?

• 50 times more

• C) 32 times more

• 15 times more

• 5 times more

If two earthquakes have the same magnitude, what can be said about them?

• C) They will release the same amount of energy

• B) They will be felt equally by people

• A) They will cause the same amount of damage

• D) They will occur at the same depth

What is the primary purpose of the Moment Magnitude Scale?

• A) To measure the intensity of shaking

• C) To assess damage caused

• D) To determine the depth of the earthquake

• B) To estimate the energy released

Which scale is used to describe the effects of an earthquake on people and buildings?

• C) Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale

• Seismic Activity Index

• Tsunami Scale

• Earthquake Severity Scale

How does the Moment Magnitude Scale differ from the Richter Scale?

• A) It measures only surface damage

• B) It is more accurate for larger earthquakes

• C) It is based on seismic wave amplitude

• D) It is used exclusively for small earthquakes

What is the maximum value on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale?

• C) 12

• D) 15

• B) 10

• A) 5

Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining the damage caused by an earthquake?

• E) Depth of the earthquake

• F) Population density

• G) Soil type

• D) Weather conditions