Question

Consider the Northridge, CA earthquake with a M 6.7, compared to the 2001 Nisqually earthquake that hit the Seattle area, with a M6.8. Why was the damage caused by the Northridge quake so much greater, when the Nisqually earthquake was slightly stronger?

Answer 1

Answer: The Northridge quake was greater than Nisqually's because of the sequels the former had after the actual event.

Explanation: The aftershock of the 2 earthquakes were significantly different, marking Northridge as the place with more repercussion in the aftermath of the tremor itself: it can be remarked that hundreds of small quakes were recorded during the week after, causing a lacking possibility to start moving forward in order to start the rebuilding process.