Question

Aftershocks are ______ in magnitude and occur _____ the main shock?

Option 1: Larger, before
Option 2: Smaller, after
Option 3: Smaller, before
Option 4: Larger, after

Answer 1

Aftershocks are generally smaller in magnitude and happen after the main shock, making Option 2 the correct answer. Earthquake magnitude represents quantitative continuous data.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aftershocks are typically smaller in magnitude and occur after the main shock. Aftershocks occur as the crust adjusts to the new configuration after the main earthquake. The correct answer to the question is Option 2: Smaller, after.

Earthquakes involve quantitative continuous data related to the amount of energy they release, typically measured using the Richter scale or Moment Magnitude scale. These values represent the earthquake's magnitude and are continuous because they fall within a range of values and are not limited to discrete numbers.