An earthquake has a high magnitude but a low intensity. Which statement best explains this?(1 point)
Responses
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 its duration.
Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures its duration.
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 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.
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Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage.
The correct statement is:
Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage.
The correct statement is:
Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage.
To understand why this is the correct statement, we need to first understand the definitions of magnitude and intensity in the context of earthquakes.
Magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of the total amount of energy released at the source of the earthquake. It is typically determined using seismographs and is usually reported using a logarithmic scale. The most commonly used scale for measuring earthquake magnitude is the Richter scale. A higher magnitude indicates a greater amount of energy released.
Intensity, on the other hand, measures the effects of an earthquake at specific locations, particularly the amount of ground shaking and the resulting damage caused by the earthquake. It is based on observations and assessments made by people who experience the earthquake. Intensity is usually reported using a descriptive scale, such as the Modified Mercalli Scale (MM). A higher intensity indicates a greater amount of damage.
Now, let's apply this understanding to the given scenario. If an earthquake has a high magnitude but a low intensity, it means that the earthquake released a significant amount of energy at its source (high magnitude), but the effects of the earthquake in terms of ground shaking and damage were relatively mild (low intensity). This could be due to various factors, such as the earthquake occurring in a sparsely populated area or the presence of strong building codes that reduce damage even for strong earthquakes.
Therefore, the statement "Magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage." best explains the situation where an earthquake has a high magnitude but a low intensity.