Asked by jakeevia

Which statement describes the moment magnitude scale?

A) It measures only small earthquakes.
B) It uses data collected by a seismograph.
C) It shows only the strength of seismic waves that were produced.
D) It determines the amount of damage caused by an earthquake.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
B

The moment magnitude scale (Mw) is calculated from the seismic moment, which is determined using data recorded by seismographs (and includes fault area, slip, and rock rigidity). It does not only measure small quakes (used for all sizes), is not limited to wave strength, and does not measure damage (that’s intensity scales like the Modified Mercalli).