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Why is the New Madrid fault dangerous?

Due to the harder, colder, drier and less fractured nature of the rocks in the earth’s crust in the central United States, earthquakes in this region shake and damage an area approximately 20 times larger than earthquakes in California and most other active seismic areas.

What time of day do most earthquakes occur?

Earthquakes take place miles underground, and can happen at any time in any weather. Big earthquakes always occur early in the morning.

What months are earthquakes most common?

A glance at geologic statistics might lead one to believe March is earthquake month. After all, the two strongest recorded earthquakes in U.S. history occurred in this month.

What is the difference between Richter scale and Mercalli scale?

The Mercalli scale bases its measurement on the observed effects of the earthquake and describes its intensity. It is a linear measurement. On the other hand, the Richter scale measures the seismic waves, or the energy released, causing the earthquake and describes the quake’s magnitude.

What do you think is the difference between magnitude and intensity?

Magnitude is a measure of earthquake size and remains unchanged with distance from the earthquake. Intensity, however, describes the degree of shaking caused by an earthquake at a given place and decreases with distance from the earthquake epicentre.

How is intensity determined?

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake. Magnitude is determined from measurements on seismographs. Intensity measures the strength of shaking produced by the earthquake at a certain location. Intensity is determined from effects on people, human structures, and the natural environment.

Where would the intensity be higher?

Answer. Answer: Intensity is stronger near the epicenter. The damage of an earthquake is primarily caused by seismic waves.

How does magnitude relate to damage?

The moment magnitude scale more accurately reflects the energy released and the damage caused. Most seismologists now use the moment magnitude scale.