9
RCMultiple Choice

Rocks and the Rock Cycle — Cumulative exam

Question 9 • WCA 4130 Earth and Space Science 1st Quarter 26-27

Which statement describes one aspect of an earthquake’s magnitude?

Answer
A
It is measured by the Mercalli scale.
B
It is based on the size of seismic waves.
C
It is not usually affected by the amount of fault movement.
D
It is used to determine damage caused by earthquakes.

Explanation

Earthquake magnitude measures the energy released, which is determined in part by the size (amplitude) of seismic waves recorded by seismographs. The Mercalli scale describes intensity based on observed effects and damage, not magnitude, so D is also incorrect.

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