What is the ML calculated for a local earthquake with an S- P arrival difference of 2.0 sec and maximum S- wave amplitude of 1 mm?
A) 1.0
B) 4.0
C) 1.5
D) 2.0

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Richter magnitude scale, or local magnitude (ML), is calculated based on the logarithm of the amplitude of waves recorded by seismographs. Adjustments are made for the distance between the seismograph and the earthquake epicenter. The formula involves the S-P time (the difference in arrival times between the S-wave and the P-wave), which helps estimate the distance to the epicenter, and the maximum amplitude of the S-wave. For a 2.0 sec S-P arrival difference and a maximum S-wave amplitude of 1 mm, the ML would be approximately 1.5, based on standard empirical formulas and tables used to estimate local magnitude. These values are typically looked up in nomograms or calculated using specific formulas that relate S-P time and amplitude to magnitude.

What Is the ML Calculated for a Local Earthquake with an S-