19.17.2. Gutenberg-Richter Relationship

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does N represent in the Gutenberg-Richter Relationship?

   Hint

   Think about what we're counting.

2. 2.

   Name the two constants used in the Gutenberg-Richter equation.

   Hint

   They're specific to region-focused analysis.

3. 3.

   What does the Gothic-Richter equation express?

   • The relationship between wind speeds
   • The number of earthquakes based on magnitude
   • The depth of earthquakes

   Hint

   Focus on the concept of frequency.

4. 4.

   True or False? A higher magnitude earthquake occurs more frequently than a lower magnitude earthquake.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the logarithmic aspect of the relationship.

5. 5.

   In a region with constants a = 5 and b = 0.8, determine how many earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater would be expected using the Gutenberg-Richter equation.

   Hint

   Make sure to apply the logarithmic equation correctly.

6. 6.

   Compare the risk of earthquake frequencies in two hypothetical regions, one with a=6 and b=0.5 and the other with a=4 and b=0.85. How would you relate their risks?

   Hint

   Remember what the values imply about seismic risks.