Which of the following is true regarding the moment magnitude scale-a scale which quantifies the amount of energy released by an earthquake?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The moment magnitude scale is a logarithmic scale based on seismogram measurements that quantifies the amount of energy released by an earthquake. It is not based on arithmetical progressions, nor is it a closed scale (it can theoretically go up to infinity). An increase of one unit on the scale represents a 10-fold increase in the amplitude of ground motion and a 32-fold increase in energy release. Therefore, an 8.0 on the scale is equal to 10^(1.5) or approximately 31.5 times more energy release than a 7.0. The Mercalli scale, on the other hand, measures the intensity and effects of an earthquake on the Earth's surface, and is based on observed damage and human perception, not on energy release.

Which of the Following Is True Regarding the Moment Magnitude