9
QuizMultiple Choice

Earthquakes

Question 9 • DRHS GA-GSE Earth Systems

Which statement describes the moment magnitude scale?

Answer
A
It measures only small earthquakes.
B
It uses data collected by a seismograph.
C
It shows only the strength of seismic waves that were produced.
D
It determines the amount of damage caused by an earthquake.

Explanation

The moment magnitude scale estimates an earthquake’s size using measurements of seismic waves recorded by seismographs, along with information about the fault that moved. It can describe earthquakes of many sizes, not only small ones, and it does not directly measure the damage they cause. Therefore, “It uses data collected by a seismograph” is correct.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next