Which of the following are differences between Modified Mercalli Scale (MMS)…

2025

Which of the following are differences between Modified Mercalli Scale (MMS) and Richter Scale (RS)?
A. RS measures the energy released while MMS measures both energy and devastation
B. RS uses linear scale while MMS uses logarithmic scale
C. Value of RS is constant in an earthquake while MMS varies depending upon distance
D. Levels in RS is more than MMS
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

  1. A.

    A and B Only

  2. B.

    B and C Only

  3. C.

    C and D Only

  4. D.

    A and C Only

Attempted by 13 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Answer: Only statement C is correct. None of the provided answer choices list only statement C, so none of the choices are fully correct.

Explanation of each statement:

  • Statement A: Incorrect. The Richter Scale (magnitude) is a logarithmic measure related to the energy released by an earthquake, but the Modified Mercalli Scale measures intensity (observed effects and damage), not energy.

  • Statement B: Incorrect. The Richter Scale is logarithmic, not linear. The Modified Mercalli Scale is an ordinal/qualitative intensity scale and is not a logarithmic scale.

  • Statement C: Correct. Magnitude (as reported by the Richter Scale) is a single characteristic value for an earthquake, while intensity (as described by the Modified Mercalli Scale) varies by location and distance from the epicenter.

  • Statement D: Incorrect or misleading. The Modified Mercalli Scale has 12 defined intensity levels. The Richter Scale does not have a fixed set of discrete levels in the same sense; it is a continuous logarithmic magnitude scale, so comparing “number of levels” is not a meaningful or accurate statement.

Conclusion: Only statement C is correct. Because none of the answer choices present only statement C, all provided options are incorrect. The correct assessment of the four statements is given above to clear the misconception.

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