yes, just take the log of the quotient.
I1/I2 = 10^(M1-M2)
The intensity levels I of two earthquakes measured on a seismograph can be compared by formula: log I1/I2 = M1 - M2
where M is the magnitude given by the Richter Scale. In August 2009, an earthquake of magnitude 6.1 hit Honshu, Japan. On 31 January 1906, Ecuador coast, was hit with a more devastating earthquake, this time with a magnitude of 8.8.
To the nearest whole number, how many times greater was the intensity of the 31 January 1906 earthquake?
May someone help me set this problem up. I'm just struggling with what goes in for the I's and for the M's is it just the 6.1 and 8.8? Idk this problem is confusing me.
I appreciate any help.
1 answer
1 answer