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Discussion Assignment Unit 5

The document discusses the calculation of seismograph readings for earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 5.7 using the Richter scale formula, concluding that the 7.7 magnitude earthquake has an amplitude approximately 100 times larger than the 5.7 magnitude. It explains the advantages of using a logarithmic function for earthquake magnitudes over polynomial or exponential functions, emphasizing its ability to represent a wide range of amplitudes and align with human perception of intensity. Additionally, it reports on a recent 4.9 magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia, calculating its seismograph reading to be approximately 79.43 millimeters, and highlights the importance of preparedness in seismically active regions.

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17 views

Discussion Assignment Unit 5

The document discusses the calculation of seismograph readings for earthquakes of magnitudes 7.7 and 5.7 using the Richter scale formula, concluding that the 7.7 magnitude earthquake has an amplitude approximately 100 times larger than the 5.7 magnitude. It explains the advantages of using a logarithmic function for earthquake magnitudes over polynomial or exponential functions, emphasizing its ability to represent a wide range of amplitudes and align with human perception of intensity. Additionally, it reports on a recent 4.9 magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia, calculating its seismograph reading to be approximately 79.43 millimeters, and highlights the importance of preparedness in seismically active regions.

Uploaded by

williammathias599
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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(a) Calculate the earthquake reading on the seismograph (using the M(x) function)

when the magnitude of earthquake on the Richter scale 7.7 and 5.7. Compare the
readings and conclude on the magnitudes of earthquakes based on the calculations
obtained for both scale readings.

Using the following formula, we can determine the seismograph reading based on the Richter
scale earthquake magnitude:

M(x) = log10(x/0.001)

Rearrange the equation to solve for x

M(x) = log10(x/0.001)

M(x) = log10(x) - log10(0.001)

log10(0.001) = -3

Substitute the value of log10(0.001) = -3 into the equation

M(x) = log10(x) - (-3)

M(x) = log10(x) + 3

Isolate log10(x)

M(x) - 3 = log10(x)

x = 10M(x) - 3

Calculate the magnitudes 7.7 and 5.7

M(x) = 7.7

x = 107.7 - 3

x = 104.7

x ≈ 50118.72 millimeters.

The seismograph reading for a magnitude 7.7 earthquake is approximately 50118.72


millimeters.

M(x) = 5.7

x = 105.7 - 3

x = 102.7

x ≈ 501.19 millimeters
The seismograph reading for a magnitude 5.7 earthquake is approximately 501.19
millimeters.

Comparison

50118.72/501.19 ≈ 100

The calculations lead us to the conclusion that seismic waves produced by an earthquake with
a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale have an amplitude 100 times larger than that of an
earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7. This exemplifies how the Richter scale is logarithmic,
with each whole number increase on the scale denoting a tenfold increase in the measured
amplitude.

(b) In finding the magnitude of the earthquake, the experts have used the logarithmic
function. In your opinion, discuss why this logarithmic function is used in describing
this situation, and why not any other polynomial or exponential function used in
describing the earthquake situation.

Wide Range of Amplitudes

Seismic waves produced by earthquakes range widely in amplitude, from less than a
micrometer to several meters. Using a polynomial or linear function would not accurately
depict this range. Polynomial functions would unduly expand larger values, while linear
functions would compress smaller values too much. It would be difficult to compare
earthquakes of different magnitudes on a single scale due to this compression and expansion.
Nonetheless, a variety of data can be compressed into a more manageable scale by using
logarithmic functions, which facilitates the representation and comparison of various
earthquake magnitudes (Earthquake Hazards Program, n.d.).

Human Perception

When it comes to sound, light, or actual vibrations, human perception of intensity typically
follows a logarithmic scale. This indicates that, rather than the amplitude itself, our
perception of an earthquake's intensity is more closely correlated with the logarithm of the
seismic waves' amplitude. The magnitude of earthquakes is based on a logarithmic scale,
which corresponds to how humans naturally perceive intensity. This improves the scale's
usability and comprehension for people (Tosi et al., 2012).

Multiplicative Nature of Energy Release

With an increase in seismic wave amplitude, an earthquake releases energy that grows
exponentially. Roughly speaking, an increase in wave amplitude of ten times results in an
increase in energy release of 31.6 times. This exponential increase becomes a linear one when
viewed on a logarithmic scale, which makes comparing the energy releases from various
earthquakes easier. A magnitude 8 earthquake, for instance, releases roughly 1000 times
more energy than a magnitude 6 earthquake, and a magnitude 7 earthquake releases roughly
31.6 times more energy. This relationship becomes more understandable when expressed in
terms of logarithmic functions (Hayes & Wald, n.d.).

Historical and Practical Reasons

Charles F. Richter first proposed the logarithmic function for earthquake magnitudes in 1935
as a way to measure the ultimate amplitude of seismic waves, which would allow for an
objective measurement of earthquake size. This measure was realistic and closely aligned
with the features of the seismic data. Because of its simplicity and efficacy, it was quickly
embraced by many (Rafferty, 2024).

Why not Polynomial of Exponential Functions?

 It is not feasible to use polynomial functions on the extraordinarily broad


range of seismic wave amplitudes. The scale would become more complicated
and less understandable if higher-degree polynomials were required.
 Even though the energy released by earthquakes tends to increase
exponentially, it would be illogical and less useful to directly characterize
magnitude using an exponential function. Exponential scales grow too
quickly, making meaningful comparisons between smaller values challenging.

Conclusion

Because it simplifies energy release comparisons, matches human perception, compresses a


wide range of amplitudes into a manageable scale, and has practical advantages over
polynomial or exponential functions, the logarithmic function is perfect for the Richter scale.

For these and other reasons, the logarithmic scale is the standard for determining earthquake
magnitudes and is still a vital tool in seismology.

(c) Locate a news article discussing a recent earthquake in your country providing
Richter scale magnitudes (You can also use an article that discuss country close to yours
if there hasn't been an earthquake in your country recently). Determine the
seismograph reading by the magnitude of the earthquake registered in your country.
Discuss the situation in brief.

An earthquake of notable magnitude (4.9 on the Richter scale) struck Ethiopia on May 12,
2024. The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers, 279 kilometers southwest of
Hawassa, at approximately 12:36 AM local time. Though relatively uncommon in Ethiopia's
historical records, this event is a part of a larger pattern of seismic activity in the area
(Earthquake List, 2024).
To determine the seismograph reading for this earthquake, we use the given Richter scale
formula:

M(x) = log10(x/0.001)

Where M(x) is the Magnitude x is the seismograph reading in millimetres

Given M(x) = 4.9:

4.9 = log10(x/0.001)

Solve for x:

104.9 = x/0.001

x = 0.001 * 104.9

x ≈ 79.43 millimeters

Therefore, the seismograph reading for the May 12 earthquake in Ethiopia is approximately
79.43 millimeters.

Although there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties, the earthquake
caused some concern among the residents. This incident emphasizes how crucial it is to keep
an eye on things and be ready for anything that might happen in seismically active areas,
even in those where the occasional but potentially significant earthquake occurs (Earthquake
List, 2024).

References:

Earthquake Hazards Program. (n.d.). Magnitude Types. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/magnitude-types

Earthquake List. (2024). The Complete Ethiopia Earthquake Report (up-to-date 2024).
https://earthquakelist.org/ethiopia/

Hayes, G., & Wald, D. (n.d.). Earthquake Magnitude, Energy Release, and Shaking Intensity.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/earthquake-magnitude-energy-release-
and-shaking-intensity

Rafferty, J. P. (2024, April 19). Richter scale | Seismology, Earthquake Magnitude &
Intensity. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/Richter-scale

Tosi, P., Sbarra, P., & De Rubeis, V. (2012). Earthquake sound perception. Geophysical
Research Letters, 39(24). https://doi.org/10.1029/2012gl054382
.

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