GEOLOGY & PLANETARY SCIENCE A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site epicenter Epicenter and hypocenter Credit: U.S. Geological Survey The point on the Earth's surface vertically above the hypocenter (or focus), point in the crust where a seismic rupture, such as an earthquake, begins. Depending on the character of the focus, the epicenter may be a small circle or a line. Related category    • GEOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE Source: U.S. Geological Survey Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP