ConcepTest: Earthquake Location and Magnitude
Question:
Two active faults are present at different sites along the west coast of North America. The rate of plate motion adjacent to location X is 2 cm/year. The rate of plate motion adjacent to location Y is 5 cm/year. A characteristic earthquake at location X produces 2 meters (200 cm) of offset (displacement). A characteristic earthquake at location Y produces 2.5 meters (250 cm) of offset.
Predict which location would experience the more frequent earthquakes?
a. Xb. Y
c. Same at each location.
Predict which location would experience earthquakes with the greater magnitude?
a. Xb. Y
c. Same at each location.
Student Responses:
No data yet. The correct responses are B and B.
If you would like to help acquire more Before and After statistics for this example, please contact the authors (see link at top of page).
