An earthquake in magnitude on the Richter scale in the range 7-­7.3, is termed as

Correct option is C

Earthquake magnitudes on the Richter scale are categorized based on the extent of damage they are likely to cause. An earthquake in the range of 7–7.3 on the Richter scale is classified as "disastrous" because it has the potential to cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure over a wide area.
Magnitude descriptions:
· 7.0–7.9: Disastrous. Causes severe damage in populated areas, often resulting in major collapses of buildings and infrastructure.
· 8.0 and above: Catastrophic. Leads to near-total destruction in affected areas.
The impact also depends on factors such as population density, building standards, and the depth of the earthquake.
Information Booster Understanding the Richter Scale:
· Developed in 1935 by Charles F. Richter, this scale measures the amount of seismic energy released by an earthquake.
· It is a logarithmic scale: each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in amplitude and roughly 31.6 times more energy release.
Magnitude ranges and classifications:
· 2.0 or less: Micro; generally not felt.
· 2.1–3.9: Minor; often felt but causes little to no damage.
· 4.0–4.9: Light; noticeable shaking but minimal damage.
· 5.0–5.9: Moderate; can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings.
· 6.0–6.9: Strong; causes considerable damage, especially near the epicenter.
· 7.0–7.9: Disastrous; leads to widespread damage and loss of life.
· 8.0 and above: Catastrophic; causes large-scale destruction over vast areas.
Additional Knowledge Incorrect Options Explained: (a) Destructive: Typically refers to earthquakes in the range of 6.0–6.9, where damage is substantial but not widespread.
(b) Ruinous: This term is generally not an official category on the Richter scale, though it may colloquially describe certain earthquakes.
(d) Catastrophic: Reserved for magnitudes of 8.0 and above, where the destruction is massive and extends over large regions.
Understanding these categories helps assess the potential impact and prioritize emergency responses during seismic events.