The earthquake that occurred in Chile in 1960 was 1000 times more intense than the one that occurred in Wyoming in 1959, which had a Richter magnitude of 6.5. Determine Chile's earthquake magnitude.
A) 7.5
B) 8.5
C) 9.5
D) 8.0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnitude increase on the Richter scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude. To be 1000 times more intense, the earthquake would need to be 3 magnitudes higher (10^3 = 1000), making the Chile earthquake's magnitude 6.5 + 3 = 9.5.

The Earthquake That Occurred in Chile in 1960 Was 1000