28.3. Earthquake Intensity

Try these first

1. 1.

   What scale measures earthquake intensity?

   Hint

   Think about the scale used to assess human experiences.

2. 2.

   What does intensity level V indicate?

   Hint

   Consider the commonness of feeling the shaking.

3. 3.

   What does the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale measure?

   • The energy released by an earthquake
   • The observable effects of an earthquake
   • The depth of an earthquake's focus

   Hint

   Consider what kind of effects the scale describes.

4. 4.

   True or False: Intensity can vary from place to place even for the same earthquake.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about why two places could feel an earthquake differently.

5. 5.

   Given an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0, predict the potential intensity level around the epicenter if factors like soft soil are considered.

   Hint

   Think about how soil type affects the seismic waves' impact.

6. 6.

   Discuss how urban planning can change based on the intensity data collected post-earthquake.

   Hint

   Consider the lessons learned regarding structural vulnerabilities.