Why Mexico City was so devastated by the far away 8.1 earthquake that struck in 1985 did Acapulco which is located much closer to quake site fare better?

The 1985 Mexico City earthquake was a magnitude 8.0 earthquake that struck off the Pacific coast of central Mexico on September 19, 1985. The epicenter was located in the state of Michoacán, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west-southwest of Mexico City.

The earthquake caused widespread damage in Mexico City, resulting in the collapse of numerous buildings and the deaths of thousands of people. The city's infrastructure was severely affected, with many roads, bridges, and other structures being damaged or destroyed. The earthquake also triggered landslides and mudslides, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.

In comparison, Acapulco, located approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) southwest of the epicenter, experienced less severe damage. While the earthquake was still felt in Acapulco, the city's distance from the epicenter and its more modern construction standards contributed to its resilience. The city's buildings were generally more resistant to earthquakes, and the area did not experience the same level of ground shaking as Mexico City.

Several factors contributed to the widespread devastation in Mexico City, including:

* Weak building codes and construction practices: Many of the buildings in Mexico City were not designed to withstand earthquakes, and some had been constructed using substandard materials and techniques. This made them vulnerable to collapse even during moderate earthquakes.

* Amplification of seismic waves: The soft, clay-like soil in the Valley of Mexico, where Mexico City is located, amplified the seismic waves generated by the earthquake. This caused the ground to shake more violently and for a longer duration, increasing the damage to buildings.

* Densely populated urban area: Mexico City is a densely populated city, with a large number of people living in close proximity. This meant that the earthquake affected a greater number of people and caused more widespread destruction.

In contrast, Acapulco is a less densely populated city with more modern construction standards. The city's buildings are generally more resistant to earthquakes, and the area did not experience the same level of ground shaking as Mexico City. As a result, Acapulco suffered less severe damage from the earthquake.