Definition of Epicentre: The epicentre is the point on the Earth’s surface that is directly above the hypocentre (or focus), the point where an earthquake or underground explosion originates. It is the location at the surface that experiences the most intense seismic activity during an earthquake. The epicentre is a crucial point in understanding and analysing earthquakes, as it helps in determining the location and impact of the seismic event.
Etymology and Origin: The word ‘epicentre’ is derived from the Greek words ‘epi’, meaning ‘upon’ or ‘at’, and ‘kentron’, meaning ‘centre’. The term was adopted into English in the late 19th century as a technical term in geology and seismology to pinpoint the surface location of seismic activity.
