Earthquakes Flashcards
Where do shallow earthquakes occur?
marine trenches where plate subduction is taking place
Where do intermediate earthquakes occur?
Subduction zones
Where do rocks derive their strength from?
interlocking and cementation of grains or crystals which they are built
What does the Mercalli scale distinguish?
12 degrees of severity - ratings are based on direct observation and evaluation
What does the mercalli scale assess the degree of?
Of damage in built up areas and changes in the natural environment
Why is the moment magnitude scale preferred today?
Works over a wider range of earthquake sizes and is applicable globally
What is the moment magnitude scale based on?
The total moment release of the earthquake
What is moment?
Moment is a product of distance a fault moved and force required to move it
