noun
- The point beneath the Earth's surface where an earthquake originates; the focus of an earthquake.
Usage: Plural of hypocenter; Technical term used in seismology and geology; Contrasts with epicenter, which is the point on the surface directly above the hypocenter
Examples
- Seismologists determined that the hypocenters of the recent earthquakes were located about 10 kilometers below the surface.
- The depths of the hypocenters varied significantly across the fault line.
- By analyzing multiple seismic stations, researchers pinpointed the hypocenters of the tremors.
- Deep hypocenters typically produce less surface damage than shallow ones.
- The map showed the distribution of hypocenters throughout the subduction zone.