The Anatomy of an Earthquake

Front

waves that transmit the energy released by an earthquake

Back

Seismic waves

Front

the point within the Earth where an earthquake rupture starts

Back

Focus

Front

• the point at the surface of the Earth directly above the focus

Back

Epicenter

Front

• a fracture in rocks that make up the Earth’s crust

Back

Fault

Front

• a natural shaking of Earth’s lithosphere caused by the release of energy stored in the lithospheric rocks

Back

Earthquake