Differentiate between "Intensity" and "Magnitude" of an earthquake ~ Civil Services Self Study ( NCERT Based)

Question:

Differentiate between "Intensity" and "Magnitude" of an earthquake.

Answer.

An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the release of energy from within the Earth's crust.

Differentiate between "Intensity" and "Magnitude" of an earthquake.

Difference between Magnitude and Intensity of an Earthquake:

1. Definition:

Magnitude of an earthquake is the total energy released at the source of the earthquake, whereas Intensity of the earthquake is the effect or severity of shaking experienced at a location.

2. Measurement Scale:

The Magnitude of an earthquake is measured by the Richter Scale, whereas the Intensity of the earthquake is measured by the Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale.

3. Nature:

The nature of the Magnitude of an earthquake is Quantitative (objective), whereas the Intensity of the earthquake is Qualitative (subjective).

4. Value Type:

The Magnitude of an earthquake is a Single value for one earthquake, whereas the Intensity of the earthquake varies from place to place for the same earthquake.

5. Factors Affecting:

The Magnitude of an earthquake depends on the fault rupture and energy released, whereas the Intensity of the earthquake depends on the distance from the epicenter, depth, and local geology.

6. Example:

The Magnitude of an earthquake is 7.5, whereas the Intensity of the same earthquake would be Intensity-VI in one area, and Intensity II in another.

Summary:

Magnitude tells how strong the earthquake was at its source, whereas Intensity tells how strong it felt at different places on the surface.