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Assignment
Wayne LIU
Task 3
Part 1
A nomogram can be used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake.
The magnitude can also be obtained using the formula:
M = log(mm) + 3log[8 t(s)] 2.92
Where M = magnitude, mm = amplitude, t(s) = S-P time
Verify: The result using the distance and amplitude readings in the formula will
give approximately the same reading as that shown on the nomogram
As shown in the task sheet, using the nomogram, when S-P time = 24 s,
amplitude = 23 mm, the line joining these two points intersect at the magnitude
of 5 approximately.
Using the formula:
M = log(mm) + 3log[8 t(s)] 2.92
Put S-P time = 24, amplitude = 23 in it
M = log23 + 3log(8x24)-2.92
M = 5.29
5.3
1
Therefore, the result using the distance and amplitude readings in the formula will
give approximately the same reading as that shown on the nomogram.
Find: the magnitude of the earthquake when S-P time = 40 s, amplitude = 20
mm, using both the nomogram and the formula provided.
Nomogram:
Part 2
2
Part 3
a)
Richter
number,
M
(Magnitu
de)
Energy, E
(kWh)
0.55
6
17.3
537
167
0
5.19x1
05
1.61x1
07
5.02x1
08
1.56x1
010
4.85x1
011
The graph above shows that the data do not form a linear function. It suggests
that an exponential function may fit the data better.
3
The data form a straight line in the semi-log graph, so it suggests an exponential
function of the form y=A(10)kx, where A, k are constants, and k is gradient of the
straight line in the semi-log graph.
The value of k can be found using the first and last point provided
Therefore: y=A(10)1.49258x
The value of A can be found by substituting the first point provided: (1, 0.556)
into the equation
0.556=A(10)1.49258(1)
A = 0.556/101.49258
A = 0.017885102
A
Therefore: y=0.0178851(10)1.49258x
The equation of the Richter number and energy released is:
y=0.01798851(10)1.49258x
Compare: How many times more energy was released in Japan (magnitude-9)
earthquake than Christchurch (magnitude-6.3) one?
4
7.7 (1 dc pl.)