Frequency of Earthquakes with Different Magnitudes
Magnitude Range Frequency of Occurrence
3.0 - 3.9 49,000 per year
4.0 - 4.9 6,200 per year
5.0 - 5.9 800 per year
6.0 - 6.9 120 per year
7.0 - 7.9 18 per year
8.0 - 8.9 1 per year
There are over 56,000 earthquakes recorded yearly on Earth. Many occur on the ocean floor while others are so small that they can only be detected using special equipment. A small percentage of earthquakes can lead to massive destruction on Earth, including loss of life and property.
Which of these earthquakes would most likely lead to the most damage to human lives?
A) a 7.2 earthquake in Los Angeles
B) a 8.5 earthquake in the rain forest
C) a 6.0 on the coast of Alaska
D) a 3.6 earthquake in downtown Chicago
PLEASE BE RIGHT
