Richter Scale Graphing for journal
Introduction:
The Richter Scale measures the magnitude (amount of motion) of an earthquake at the focus. Unlike most scales you've used, the Richter scale is not linear. On a linear scale, the distance between each tic mark represents an equal value. The Richter
scale is logarithmic. On a logarithmic scale, the distances between tic marks DO NOT represent equal values. In other words, an earthquake that registers as a nine is NOT one time larger that an eight. To help you understand this idea, you'll be
making a graph that clearly shows the relationship between the Richter Scale values and actual ground motion.
- Study the data table on the right.
- Label the Richter Scale values on the x-axis. Your scale should start at 1 and end on the right at 9. Each square will represent 0.5 units.
- Label the amplitude values on the y-axis of your graph. Your y-axis scale should start at 0 mm and go up to 400 mm. Each square will represent 20 mm.
- Graph the data points and then connect the points with a single smooth line.
- Use the graph to help you answer the questions.
Questions for Analysis
Answer the questions below in complete sentences where appropriate.
-
Describe the shape of the curve on your graph.
- How many times GREATER is the motion experienced during a magnitude seven earthquake compared to a magnitude six? ________
- How many times GREATER is the motion experienced during a magnitude six earthquake compared to a magnitude five? ________
- How many times LESS is the motion experienced during a magnitude three earthquake compared to a magnitude four? ________
- On the Richter Scale, each increase in number value represents a _______ times increase in ground motion.
- How many times greater is the motion experienced during a magnitude nine earthquake compared to a magnitude seven? ________
- Estimate the magnitude for an amplitude reading of 20 mm. ________
- Estimate the amplitude reading for a magnitude 4.5 earthquake. ________
-
Most people do not understand that an earthquake with a magnitude of seven is ten times greater than a magnitude six earthquake. Discuss how this might present a problem in getting people to prepare adequately for a large earthquake.
| Richter Scale Value |
Amplitude 100 km from Epicenter (millimeters) |
| 2 |
.000004 |
| 3 |
.00004 |
| 4 |
0.004 |
| 5 |
0.04 |
| 6 |
0.4 |
| 7 |
4.0 |
| 8 |
40 |
| 9 |
400 |
Richter Magnitude vs. Amplitude
