What term refers to a measure of the effects of an earthquake at a particular place?

Prepare for the California Specific Exam for Professional Geologists with diverse question types. Utilize flashcards and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding and boost your exam readiness!

The term that refers to a measure of the effects of an earthquake at a specific location is intensity. Intensity quantifies the observed effects of an earthquake on people, buildings, and the Earth's surface at a given place. It reflects the local response to an earthquake's shaking, encompassing factors such as structural damage and human perception of shaking.

In contrast, magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake and is a single value that doesn’t account for the variable effects experienced at different distances from the epicenter. Local magnitude specifically pertains to the magnitude of smaller earthquakes, while microseism refers to very small seismic vibrations that are often caused by natural phenomena like ocean waves, not by significant geological events. Therefore, intensity is the correct term when discussing the observable effects of an earthquake in a particular location.

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