"Exponential and Logarithmic Models"

Visit the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program Website at http://earthquake.usgs.gov/. Click on the Learn tap, click FAQ on the left bar menu, click Measuring Earthquakes of the FAQ Categories. From there, click on and read the answers to the following questions:

o What are the different magnitude scales, and why are there so many?
o How are earthquakes recorded? How are earthquakes measured? How is the magnitude of an earthquake determined?
o How much energy is released in an earthquake?
o What is the difference between intensity scales and magnitude scales?

• Please respond to the following:

o Summarize the source of the calculations for the Richter scale.
o Compare the Richter scale and Mercalli scale. In your opinion, explain which is more meaningful in the use of reporting earthquake destruction.
o Describe how math and science has made reporting earthquakes more accurate.