What is a Hypocenter?

The hypocenter (or hypocentre) is the point beneath the Earth's surface where an earthquake or underground explosion originates. It is the point at which seismic waves are generated, and it is typically located at the center of the epicenter, which is the area where the effects of the earthquake or explosion are most strongly felt.

The term "hypocenter" is used to distinguish this point from the epicenter, which is the location on the Earth's surface directly above the hypocenter. The hypocenter is often referred to as the "focus" of the earthquake or explosion, and it is the point at which the energy released by the event is concentrated.

The hypocenter is determined using seismic data, such as the arrival times of seismic waves at different locations on the Earth's surface. By analyzing these data, scientists can determine the location and depth of the hypocenter, as well as other characteristics of the earthquake or explosion, such as its magnitude and mechanism.