The point on the Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake originates is the

• A. Epicenter
• B. Focus
• C. Fault
• D. Earthquake

Answer: (A)

Think about where the quake begins inside the Earth versus where its effects are felt on the surface. The point on the surface directly above the place where the earthquake originates is the epicenter. The actual start point inside the Earth is the focus (also called the hypocenter), where rocks rupture and energy release begins. Seismic waves radiate from there and travel outward, letting scientists locate the epicenter by comparing wave arrival times at different stations. The term fault refers to the crack along which movement occurs, and an earthquake is the event itself, not a surface point.