What factor exacerbates damage caused by earthquakes?

Tall building height is a significant factor that exacerbates damage caused by earthquakes due to several reasons related to engineering principles and structural responses to seismic activity. As the height of a building increases, its mass and stiffness also increase, which contributes to more dynamic stress during an earthquake. Taller structures are more susceptible to swaying and resonance effects; they can amplify ground motion, especially if their natural frequency aligns with that of the seismic waves.

Additionally, the materials and construction techniques used for tall buildings may not always account for seismic resistance adequately, especially in areas prone to earthquakes. If these structures are not designed or retrofitted to withstand seismic forces, the risk of structural failure increases, leading to more significant damage and potential loss of life during an earthquake event.

A shallow soil depth might contribute to increased ground shaking, while flat topography usually has less effect on earthquake damage than the building designs. Soil richness, though important for soil stability and drainage, is less relevant to the immediate effects of earthquakes compared to the structural design of buildings themselves.