28.8. Factors Affecting Intensity at a Location

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the epicenter?

   Hint

   Think of it as the ground-level spot above the earthquake's focus.

2. 2.

   How does soil type affect earthquake shaking?

   Hint

   Consider how quicksand behaves compared to a stable rock.

3. 3.

   What is one factor that affects earthquake shaking intensity?

   • Distance from epicenter
   • Time of day
   • Number of people present

   Hint

   Think about how being closer to the source might make something feel stronger.

4. 4.

   True or False: Soft soils reduce the intensity of shaking.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall our earlier discussion about soil types.

5. 5.

   Evaluate how different local geological features can affect two neighboring towns' experiences during the same earthquake. Consider soil types and distances.

   Hint

   Analyze the characteristics of each town's landscape and material.

6. 6.

   Predict the intensity of shaking expected in an urban area with high-rise buildings constructed on soft soil during a shallow-focus earthquake. Justify your answer.

   Hint

   Consider how the structural design interacts with the soil properties.