Consider the following statements: 1. The point where energy is rele

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The point where energy is released is called hypocentre.
  • 2. The point on the surface nearest to the focus is called epicentre.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023
The correct option is C.
– Statement 1 is correct: The hypocentre (also known as the focus) is the point within the Earth where an earthquake rupture starts and energy is released.
– Statement 2 is correct: The epicentre is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the hypocentre (focus), and it is usually the point where the earthquake effects are strongest. It is indeed the point on the surface nearest to the focus.
Seismic waves radiate outwards from the hypocentre. The intensity of the earthquake is typically highest near the epicentre.