why are earthquakes so destructive?

Question 1

why are earthquakes so destructive?

Answer 1

• the size
• primary effects
• secondary effects

Question 2

what 3 things impact the size/intensity of the earthquake?

Answer 2

1. the magnitude
2. the distance a place is from the epicentre
3. the local geological conditions

Question 3

how does the magnitude affect the size?

Answer 3

the higher the magnitude, the more destruction will be caused

Question 4

how is magnitude measured?

Answer 4

1. the Richter scale (using seismometers and seismographs)
2. the Mercalli scale (using descriptions and observations)

Question 5

how does the distance from the epicentre affect the size?

Answer 5

the closer the place is to the epicentre, the higher the scale of destruction

Question 6

how do the local geological conditions affect the size of earthquakes?

Answer 6

less resistant rock is more likely to shake under the pressure of seismic waves and therefore liquefaction and landslides more easily occur