Examine the information above and answer each of the following questions - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 2A - 2019

The scale used to assign a magnitude rating to an earthquake is the Richter Scale. This scale quantifies the energy released during an earthquake.

A magnitude range of 5 to 7 is considered to denote a moderate to strong earthquake. Earthquakes within this range can cause varying degrees of damage depending on their depth and distance from populated areas.

A fault zone refers to a region where the Earth's tectonic plates have fractured and are capable of slipping past one another. This is often the result of stress accumulation from tectonic forces. Fault zones can lead to significant seismic activity when the built-up stress is suddenly released.

1. Ground shaking: This is the most immediate effect, which can damage buildings and infrastructure.
2. Surface rupture: The ground may crack or shift, leading to structural failures.
3. Tsunamis: Underwater earthquakes can generate tsunamis, resulting in widespread flooding and destruction in coastal areas.

One effective way to limit earthquake damage is through earthquake-resistant building designs. These technologies include flexible structures that can sway without collapsing and base isolation techniques that reduce ground motion's impact on buildings.