how can a magnitude 8.0 earthquake be classified as a low intensity earthquake?
I have no idea, unless maybe its epicenter is WAY out in an ocean somewhere, and humans either don't feel it or barely feel it.
You can read and search for more information about earthquakes here:
https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/earthquakes
A magnitude 8.0 earthquake is not typically classified as a low-intensity earthquake. In the commonly used Richter scale, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 is categorized as a strong or major earthquake. However, it is important to note that the intensity of an earthquake refers to the amount of ground shaking and damage caused by the earthquake at a particular location. The intensity scale is known as the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which ranges from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction).
The intensity of an earthquake can vary based on various factors including the depth of the earthquake's focus, the distance from the epicenter, the local geological conditions, and the population density in the affected area. Therefore, even a high-magnitude earthquake can have low intensity if it occurs in a sparsely populated or remote area with more stable geological conditions, resulting in minimal ground shaking and damage.
A magnitude 8.0 earthquake is actually classified as a high intensity earthquake, not a low intensity one. The magnitude scale is used to measure the energy released during an earthquake, and it is logarithmic. This means that each whole number increase on the scale represents a tenfold increase in the shaking amplitude and approximately 31.6 times more energy release.
To classify earthquakes into intensity levels, the Modified Mercalli Scale (MM Scale) is commonly used. The MM Scale assesses the effects of an earthquake on humans, structures, and the environment. It ranges from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction).
To determine the intensity level of an earthquake, it requires a thorough analysis of various factors such as ground shaking, damage to structures, and reports from people who experienced the earthquake. The intensity level may vary depending on the distance from the epicenter and the depth of the earthquake.
However, it's important to note that it is highly unlikely for a magnitude 8.0 earthquake to be classified as a low intensity earthquake based on the MM Scale.