Question

Identify the incorrect statement concerning earthquake magnitude and significant historical events.

1. The Richter magnitude scale is used to quantify the energy released by an earthquake at its source.
2. Earthquakes registering a magnitude of 6 and above on the Richter scale are often associated with highly devastating effects.
3. The Valdivia Earthquake in Chile, which recorded a magnitude of 9.5, is recognized as the largest earthquake ever recorded globally.
4. An earthquake's destructive power is solely determined by its Richter magnitude, irrespective of its depth or the local geological conditions.

• A. ഇവയൊന്നുമല്ല
• B. രണ്ട്
• C. മൂന്നും നാലും
• D. ഒന്നും രണ്ടും മൂന്നും

Answer 1

Answer:

D. ഒന്നും രണ്ടും മൂന്നും

While the Richter scale measures the magnitude (energy released) of an earthquake, its destructive power is not solely dependent on this single factor. Several other elements play a crucial role, including the earthquake's depth (shallower quakes often cause more surface damage), the distance from the epicenter, the local geology (e.g., loose, saturated soil can amplify shaking), and the quality of construction and infrastructure. For instance, a moderate earthquake in a densely populated area with poorly constructed buildings can cause more devastation than a stronger one in a remote, sparsely populated region. The Valdivia Earthquake of 1960 indeed holds the record for the largest instrumentally recorded earthquake, demonstrating the immense power that can be unleashed by tectonic forces.