Question

Which statement describes the Mercalli scale?

a) "The Mercalli scale measures the energy released by an earthquake."
b) "The Mercalli scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake using seismographs."
c) "The Mercalli scale measures earthquake intensity based on observed effects and human perceptions."
d) "The Mercalli scale measures the frequency of seismic waves during an earthquake."

Answer 1

The Mercalli scale measures earthquake intensity based on observed effects and human perceptions using Roman numerals to describe the intensity. It does not measure energy release or magnitude.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Mercalli scale measures earthquake intensity based on observed effects and human perceptions. It does not measure the energy released by an earthquake or the magnitude using seismographs. The scale assigns a Roman numeral from I to XII to describe the intensity of an earthquake's effects at a specific location. For example, an intensity of I represents a not felt earthquake, while an intensity of XII represents total destruction.