An earthquake has a high magnitude but a low intensity, which statement best explains this?

Question

A. magnitude measures the energy released by the earth quake, while intestines measure's duration
B. magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage
C. magnitude measures the duration of the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage
D. magnitude measures the duration of the earthquake, while intensity measures the energy released by the earthquake

Answer 1

The best statement that explains the difference between magnitude and intensity of an earthquake is:

B. magnitude measures the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the amount of damage.

Magnitude quantifies the energy released at the source of the earthquake, while intensity measures the effects of the earthquake at specific locations, including the amount of damage caused. Therefore, it is possible for an earthquake to have a high magnitude (indicating a lot of energy released) but a low intensity if it occurs in a remote area or does not affect population centers significantly.