Revision Exercises

Attempt the following exercises in your own time as practice for end of semester examinations. If you are not able to confidently answer these questions then you should make contact with your tutor to discuss your progress in this course. If you would like feedback on your answers to these questions then please e-mail your answers to your tutor.

1. What do the Modified Mercalli and Richter Scales describe?
2. The following is a list of some major earthquakes that have occurred last century. What do you notice about the geographic distribution of these earthquakes?

Japan: 1923, 1927, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1948, 1995

Philippines: 1976, 1990

Indonesia: 1917, 1976, 1979, 1992

Taiwan: 1999-10-02

Alaska: 1964

California: 1906, 1933, 1952, 1971, 1987, 1994

New Zealand: 1929, 1931, 1987

Turkey: 1999

3. Generally speaking, do scientists consider it possible to "predict" earthquakes? Explain your answer.
4. Are earthquakes (primary hazards) or the associated secondary hazards responsible for the greater loss of life?
5. If you were asked to prepare a seismic hazard-zonation and risk map for your city, what information would you require? How would you convey relative 'risk' to the general public?
6. In Los Angeles, many new fault lines are being identified and many of these lie beneath residential areas in the greater Los Angeles area.