Why does the earth shake? What is Fault, Focus OR Hypocenter and Epicenter? धरती क्यों हिलती है? फॉल्ट, फोकस या हाइपोसेंटर और एपिसेंटर क्या है?

The release of energy occurs along a fault. A fault is a sharp break in the crustal rocks. Rocks along a fault tend to move in opposite directions. 

As the overlying rock strata press them, the friction locks them together. However, their tendency to move apart at some point of time overcomes the friction. As a result, the blocks get deformed and eventually, they slide past one another abruptly. This causes a release of energy, and the energy waves travel in all directions. 

Fault, Focus / Hypocenter and Epicenter

The point where the energy is released is called the focus of an earthquake, alternatively, it is called the hypocenter. 

The energy waves travelling in different directions reach the surface. The point on the surface, nearest to the focus, is called epicenter. It is the first one to experience the waves. It is a point directly above the focus.

What are Seismic Waves? भूकंपीय तरंगें क्या हैं?

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