Final answer:
The intensity of the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in China on May 12, 2008, cannot be determined from the magnitude alone as it depends on various factors including local geology and human infrastructure. Magnitude and intensity are different measurements, with magnitude being numerical data indicating energy release and intensity reflecting surface and structural effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Magnitude vs. Intensity of Earthquakes
The magnitude of an earthquake, such as the 7.9 earthquake in China on May 12, 2008, is a measure of the energy released. This should not be confused with the intensity, which refers to the effects of the quake on the Earth's surface and its effects on humans and structures. Magnitude is measured on the Richter scale or more commonly now with the moment magnitude scale, which provides a more accurate measurement for larger earthquakes. Intensity is measured using different scales such as the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. Unfortunately, the student's question does not provide enough information to determine the intensity of the 7.9 earthquake in China, as intensity can vary greatly depending on the location's proximity to the earthquake's epicenter, the local geology, and building structures.
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Earthquake magnitude is considered quantitative data, as it can be measured and expressed numerically. High magnitude earthquakes can cause significant damage, especially if they strike heavily populated areas. As shown in the provided data, other significant earthquakes include the 9.1 magnitude earthquake in Japan on March 11, 2011, and the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, each with devastating consequences.