Which earthquake scale is used to assess the effects of an earthquake on humans and human-made structures?
A) Richter scale
B) Mercalli scale
C) moment magnitude scale
D) surface-wave magnitude scale

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Mercalli scale is used to assess the effects of an earthquake on humans and human-made structures. It measures the intensity of shaking at each particular location and assigns a subjective value based on observed damage and perceived effects on people and animals. In contrast, the Richter scale, moment magnitude scale, and surface-wave magnitude scale are used to measure the size or magnitude of an earthquake based on different types of seismic waves. They do not directly reflect the impact on society or infrastructure.

Which Earthquake Scale Is Used to Assess the Effects of an Earthquake