As a seismologist, I can explain the difference between the hypocenter and the epicenter of an earthquake. The hypocenter, also known as the focus, is the point within the Earth where the earthquake rupture initiates. It is the origin of the seismic waves that radiate outward from the earthquake's source. On the other hand, the epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the hypocenter. It represents the location on the surface that is closest to the earthquake's origin and often experiences the most severe shaking. To summarize, the hypocenter is the actual starting point of an earthquake deep within the Earth, while the epicenter is the point on the surface directly above the hypocenter. read more >>

The hypocenter is the point within the earth where an earthquake rupture starts. The epicenter is the point directly above it at the surface of the Earth. Also commonly termed the focus. See also epicenter.read more >>