The moment magnitude is more accurate than the classical Richter scale because it is tied directly to physical parameters such as fault-rupture area,fault slip,and energy release,and because other earthquake scales use indirect measures such as how much a seismograph needle moves.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The moment magnitude scale takes into account physical parameters of an earthquake such as the size of the ruptured fault and the amount of energy released, which makes it a more accurate measure than the Richter scale. Other scales may use indirect measures such as the amplitude of seismic waves recorded by a seismograph, which can be affected by the distance and type of rock between the earthquake and the instrument.

The Moment Magnitude Is More Accurate Than the Classical Richter