Question

question
why was building damage so extensive in the 1985 mexico city earthquake?
answer
much of the city is built on filled - in, shallow lakes and swampland.
the richter magnitude was 8.8, and the focus was only 10 miles below the city.
the epicenter was directly in the city.
the steel frame buildings were rigid and lacked the flexibility to withstand lateral swaying during even a moderate magnitude quake.
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Explanation:

Mexico City was built on filled - in, shallow lakes and swampland. Soft soil and sediment can amplify seismic waves, a phenomenon known as soil amplification. This makes the shaking more intense and can lead to more extensive building damage compared to if the city were built on more stable bedrock.

• The 1985 Mexico City earthquake had a Richter magnitude of 8.1, not 8.8, and the focus was about 20 miles (32 km) deep and not directly below the city.
• The epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean, not directly in the city.
• While building design can be a factor, the primary reason for the extensive damage in Mexico City was the geological setting (the filled - in lakes and swampland) rather than just building rigidity.

Answer:

Much of the city is built on filled - in, shallow lakes and swampland.