19.17.1. Recurrence Interval

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the recurrence interval measure?

   Hint

   Consider the definition of the term.

2. 2.

   Name a method to determine recurrence intervals.

   Hint

   Think about how we learn from past events.

3. 3.

   What is a recurrence interval?

   • Average time between small earthquakes
   • Average time between large earthquakes
   • Average time between any earthquakes

   Hint

   Think about the size of the earthquakes involved.

4. 4.

   True or False: Paleoseismology helps determine the average time between significant earthquakes.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall what paleoseismology actually involves.

5. 5.

   If a fault has experienced three major earthquakes over the past 300 years, what might the recurrence interval suggest about future earthquakes?

   Hint

   Calculate the average based on the data provided.

6. 6.

   Analyze how a historical earthquake record influences current building designs in a certain region prone to seismic activity.

   Hint

   Consider what historical data tells engineers.