29.1.3. Surface-Wave Magnitude (Ms)

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does Ms stand for and what does it measure?

   Hint

   Think about what types of waves surface waves are.

2. 2.

   Name the two types of surface waves associated with Ms.

   Hint

   Recall which waves travel along the Earth's surface.

3. 3.

   What is the primary basis for calculating Surface-Wave Magnitude?

   • Body waves
   • Surface waves
   • P-waves

   Hint

   Recall the main waves that travel along the Earth's surface.

4. 4.

   True or False: Surface-Wave Magnitude is calculated over a period of approximately 20 minutes.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the correct time interval for such calculations.

5. 5.

   A seismic event generates surface waves with a recorded amplitude of 1 meter. If another event records 0.5 meters, what can you infer about the potential damage each event could cause?

   Hint

   Think about the relationship between wave amplitude and damage potential.

6. 6.

   An earthquake's Surface-Wave Magnitude is recorded as Ms 6.5. How might engineers respond to this magnitude in terms of building designs?

   Hint

   Consider building materials and design strategies that mitigate earthquake impacts.