Which statement describes a magnitude 9.0 earthquake? 

A)  It is nine times as strong as a magnitude 1.0 earthquake. 
B)  It is great. 
C)  It is minor. 
D)  It is insignificant.

A magnitude 9.0 earthquake is considered great, as it is one of the largest and most destructive earthquakes that can occur. It can cause widespread damage and loss of life. Choice A is not accurate as the seismic scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in magnitude, not nine times. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the severity of a magnitude 9.0 earthquake.