Which Mercalli intensity level is characterized by people may run outdoors, some chimneys may be broken, and considerable damage occurs to poorly built structures?

• A. IV
• B. V
• C. VI
• D. VII

Answer: (B)

The Mercalli intensity level focuses on visible effects and damage from shaking, not the energy of the quake. At this level, shaking is strong enough that basically everyone feels it, and people may run outdoors. Some chimneys can crack or break, and there is considerable damage to poorly built structures. This describes a moderate shaking intensity where ordinary buildings suffer noticeable harm, but not the widespread, severe destruction seen at higher levels. Lower levels wouldn’t produce chimneys breaking or many people running outdoors, and higher levels would show far more extensive damage even to well-built structures.