1. How were earthquake intensities measured before the advent of the Richter scale?
What were the problems with that scale, and how is the Richter scale far superior?
2. At one time it was thought that the deep-ocean trenches at subduction zones would be a good place for disposal of high-level radioactive waste.
Why is this not a good idea? Explain what can happen at a subduction zone and what might occur if the waste were buried there. (Hint: see oceanic-continental convergence.)