Question

statement a: the intensity of ground shaking expressed by the mmi scale measures the energy released at the earthquakes source.statement b: the intensity of ground shaking depends on factors such as distance from the epicenter and local geology.choose the option which best describes the two statements above.statement a is incorrect, statement b is correct.statement a is correct, statement b is incorrect.both statements are correct, but statement b is not an explanation for statement a.both statements are correct, and statement b is an explanation for statement a.

Explanation:

• The MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale measures the intensity of ground shaking (how it is felt and the damage it causes), not the energy released at the earthquake's source (which is measured by magnitude scales like the Richter or Moment Magnitude Scale). So, Statement A is incorrect.
• The intensity of ground shaking does depend on factors such as distance from the epicenter (closer = usually stronger shaking) and local geology (e.g., soft soil can amplify shaking). So, Statement B is correct.

Answer:

Statement A is incorrect, statement B is correct.