29.2. Seismic Intensity Scales

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does seismic intensity measure?

   Hint

   Think about how people experience an earthquake.

2. 2.

   What is level I on the MMI scale?

   Hint

   Consider what it means when no one feels it.

3. 3.

   What does the MMI scale range from?

   • I to XII
   • 0 to 10
   • 4 to 8

   Hint

   Remember the full range of this specific scale.

4. 4.

   True or False: The EMS-98 is the same as MMI.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the geographical focus of each scale.

5. 5.

   Consider an earthquake that registers a magnitude of 6.5. Discuss how the MMI levels might vary in densely populated urban areas compared to sparsely populated rural towns.

   Hint

   Think about the interaction between buildings and geological conditions.

6. 6.

   Develop a case study scenario where understanding seismic intensity helps emergency response teams prioritize which areas to send aid after an earthquake.

   Hint

   Consider how you would assess reports of damages and human response.