The National Seismic Hazard Map classified one location as having the “highest hazard” and another location as having the “lowest hazard.” Based on this classification, which conclusion can you draw between the "highest hazard" and "lowest hazard" locations?

Question

There will never be an earthquake in the "lowest hazard" location in the future.
There will never be an earthquake in the "lowest hazard" location in the future.

A. There will definitely be an earthquake in the "highest hazard" location.
B. There will definitely be an earthquake in the "highest hazard" location.

C. There is more likely to be an earthquake in a "highest hazard" location than in a "lowest hazard" location.
D. There is more likely to be an earthquake in a "highest hazard" location than in a "lowest hazard" location.

"Highest hazard" locations are better prepared for an earthquake than the "lowest hazard" locations.

Answer 1

Based on the classification of “highest hazard” and “lowest hazard” locations in the National Seismic Hazard Map, the most reasonable conclusion is:

D. There is more likely to be an earthquake in a "highest hazard" location than in a "lowest hazard" location.

This conclusion is supported by the categorization itself, as "highest hazard" indicates a greater likelihood of experiencing seismic activity compared to "lowest hazard." It’s important to note that this does not imply that an earthquake will definitely happen in the "highest hazard" area, nor that the "lowest hazard" area is guaranteed to be safe from earthquakes altogether.