Earthquakes radiate energy as seismic waves. This table shows the amount of Ener

Question

Earthquakes radiate energy as seismic waves. This table shows the amount of Energy, E (k Wh), released and the corresponding values on the Richter scale Richter number, M Magnitude 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Energy, 5.56x10 E (kWh) 11.73x1015.37x102 1.67x104 5.19x1051.61x1075.02x1081.56x1010 4.85x1011 (a) Research two earthquakes and find out the date, location and magnitude of each (You must do your own research as this will be used to judge the authenticity of your work). Calculate how many times more energy was released by the higher magnitude quake than the lower magnitude quake. (b) (C&J;) For this question you need to write your individual energy amount on the line in the question. For example: 5.63 x 109 kWh of energy An earthquake releases (Magnitude is usually expressed to 1 decimal place.) Comment on the appropriateness of your answer. kWh of energy. Find the magnitude of the earthquake

Explanation / Answer

There is a relationship between earthquake magnitude and energy,

logES = 11.8 + 1.5M,

The relation gives energy ES in ergs from the magnitude M.

1) Landers California (1992) earthquake of magnitude 7.3 releases

logES = 11.8 + 1.5M,

logES = 11.8 + (1.5*7.3) = 22.75

ES = 5.6e22erg = 5.6e15 Joules = 1.6e9KWh

Landers California (1992) earthquake of magnitude 7.3 releases 1.6e9KWh energy.

2) Japan (2011) earthquake of a maginitude of 9.0 releases

  logES = 11.8 + 1.5M

  logES = 11.8 + (1.5*9) = 25.3

ES = 1.995e25erg = 5.5e18KWh

Japan (2011) earthquake of a maginitude of 9.0 releases 5.5e18KWh of energy.

So Japan (2011) earthquake releases more energy than Landers California (1992) earthquake. 3.4e9 times more energy was released by Japan (2011) earthquake than Landers California (1992) earthquake.

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