Epicentre, point on the surface of the Earth that is directly above the underground point (called the focus) where fault rupture commences, producing an earthquake.

Does epicenter cause earthquake?

The location below the earth's surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called the epicenter. Sometimes an earthquake has foreshocks. These are smaller earthquakes that happen in the same place as the larger earthquake that follows.

How is earthquake generated?

Earthquakes are usually caused when underground rock suddenly breaks and there is rapid motion along a fault. This sudden release of energy causes the seismic waves that make the ground shake. ... The earthquake is over when the fault stops moving. Seismic waves are generated throughout the earthquake.