5
QuizMultiple Choice

Earthquakes

Question 5 • 2026-27 AL-Earth and Space Science

Which statement describes the Mercalli scale?

Answer
A
This scale measures seismic waves based on their size.
B
This scale rates an earthquake according to how much damage it causes.
C
This scale produces a single rating for earthquakes that reach the surface.
D
This scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake based on the size of seismic waves.

Explanation

The Mercalli scale describes an earthquake’s intensity based on its observed effects, such as how strongly people feel it and the damage it causes. It does not measure seismic-wave size or calculate magnitude; those are measured using magnitude scales. Therefore, the correct choice is “This scale rates an earthquake according to how much damage it causes.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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