Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
hypocenter
noun
/ˈhaɪ.pəˌsɛn.tɚ/
Definition
The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the origin of an earthquake or the point where a nuclear explosion occurs underground.
Examples
- The hypocenter of the earthquake was located 10 kilometers below the surface.
- After the nuclear test, scientists monitored the effects from the hypocenter of the blast.
- The damage was most severe near the hypocenter of the quake.
Meaning
In the context of geology and seismology, the hypocenter is the actual location where an earthquake starts. It is often distinguished from the epicenter, which is the point directly above it on the Earth’s surface.
Synonyms
- Focus
- Ground zero
