29.5. Correlation Between Magnitude and Intensity

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the variable 'I' represent in the formula I = aM + b - c log(R)?

   Hint

   Think about what we feel during an earthquake.

2. 2.

   In the correlation formula, what does 'R' denote?

   Hint

   Consider how far you are from where the earthquake started.

3. 3.

   What does the variable 'M' stand for in the correlation formula?

   • Magnitude
   • Intensity
   • Distance

   Hint

   Recall how we quantify earthquakes' energy.

4. 4.

   True or False: Intensity decreases as distance from the epicenter increases.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how far you can feel shaking.

5. 5.

   An earthquake of magnitude 8.0 occurs at a distance of 100 km. If the empirical constants are a=1.2, b=3, and c=0.4, calculate the expected intensity.

   Hint

   Make sure to calculate the logarithm correctly.

6. 6.

   Describe how differing soil types might influence the empirical constants of the magnitude-intensity correlation in urban versus rural settings. Provide an example of each.

   Hint

   Think about how buildings might behave under different soil conditions.