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Earthquake Image Glossary


 


Glossary of earthquake terms

 

diagram showing hypocenter
(Image courtesy of SCEC)

Hypocenter
The hypocenter is the point within the earth where an earthquake rupture starts. The epicenter is the point directly above it at the surface of the Earth. Also commonly termed the focus.

See also epicenter.

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U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
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URL: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/image_glossary/
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Last modification: Tuesday, 21-May-2002 13:28
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