Chapter 12.1, Problem 1BYL

To determine

The representation of a hypocenter and an epicenter.

Answer to Problem 1BYL

A hypocenter is the location where an earthquake is generated, and an epicenter is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the hypocenter.

Explanation of Solution

The rapid release of energy stored in rocks causes earthquakes. The accumulation of stress along a fault over a long time leads to the slipping of a fault, and as a result, an earthquake is generated.

The location where an earthquake is generated is denoted as the hypocenter. It also known as the focus. Most of the earthquakes occur at a depth of less than 100 km. However, certain earthquakes occur as shallow as several kilometers, and some subduction-zone earthquakes occur at a depth of 700 km.

The epicenter can be defined as the point on the surface of the Earth directly above the hypocenter. Both epicenter and hypocenter will be the same if a seismic event happens on the surface of the Earth.