The initial rupture point of an earthquake (below Earth's surface) is the __________.
A) focus
B) disaster zone
C) releaser
D) epicenter

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The focus (also known as the hypocenter) is the point at which the initial rupture occurs below the Earth's surface, resulting in an earthquake. The epicenter, on the other hand, is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus where the earthquake is usually felt the strongest. The disaster zone is a broader term that refers to the affected area of an earthquake, which can extend beyond the epicenter. The term "releaser" is not commonly used in seismology.

The Initial Rupture Point of an Earthquake (Below Earth's Surface)