Which earthquake scale uses the amplitudes of several different waves,the amount of slip,and the dimensions of the slipped area on the fault and is therefore considered the most accurate magnitude scale?
A)the Richter scale
B)the Mercalli scale
C)the moment magnitude scale
D)the surface-wave magnitude scale

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The moment magnitude scale uses the amplitudes of several different waves, the amount of slip, and the dimensions of the slipped area on the fault. It is considered the most accurate magnitude scale because it is not limited by the saturation of small earthquakes like the Richter scale and takes into account the total energy released by the earthquake. The Mercalli scale is a measure of the intensity of shaking at a particular location and is subjective, while the surface-wave magnitude scale only uses information from surface waves and may not accurately reflect the actual energy released by the earthquake.

Which Earthquake Scale Uses the Amplitudes of Several Different Waves,the