An increase in earthquake magnitude by one whole number (for example, from 6 to 7) means that the energy released has increased by a factor of about ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy released by an earthquake increases by a factor of about 30 for each whole number increase in magnitude on the Richter scale. This scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number step represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude but corresponds to about 31.6 times more energy release.

An Increase in Earthquake Magnitude by One Whole Number (For