An earthquake has a high magnitude but a low intensity. Which statement best explains this?
Responses
Magnitude measures the duration of the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage.
Magnitude measures the duration of the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage.
Magnitude measures the duration of the earthquake, while intensity measures the energy released by the earthquake.
Magnitude measures the duration of the earthquake, while intensity measures the energy released by the earthquake.
Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage.
Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage.
Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures its duration.
The correct statement is: "Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage."
To understand why an earthquake can have a high magnitude but low intensity, we need to understand the definitions of magnitude and intensity.
Magnitude is a measure of the energy released by an earthquake at its source. It is determined by using instruments to measure the amplitude of seismic waves generated by the earthquake. Magnitude is typically reported on a logarithmic scale, such as the Richter scale or the moment magnitude scale (Mw). A high magnitude indicates a large amount of energy released by the earthquake.
Intensity, on the other hand, measures the effects of an earthquake on the Earth's surface and human structures. It takes into account factors such as the depth of the earthquake, distance from the epicenter, local geology, and building design. Intensity is usually reported using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which ranges from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction). A low intensity suggests that the earthquake did not cause significant damage or have a significant impact on the surface.
So, when an earthquake has a high magnitude but low intensity, it means that it released a significant amount of energy at its source but did not cause much damage or have a significant impact on the surface. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as the earthquake occurring in a remote area with minimal human infrastructure or the energy being released deep underground, resulting in less surface impact.