What do we call the point on the earth's surface directly above the earthquake focus?

The term used to identify the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the earthquake focus is known as the epicenter. The focus, or hypocenter, is the actual location within the Earth where the earthquake originates, while the epicenter is the corresponding point on the surface. Understanding this distinction is crucial in seismology, as the epicenter helps to determine the impact and intensity of the earthquake experienced on the surface.

Seismographs, which are instruments used to detect and record the vibrations caused by seismic waves, do not define a geographical point but rather are tools for measuring earthquakes. "Fault" refers to the fracture or zone in the Earth’s crust along which movement has occurred, which is related to the cause of earthquakes but does not denote a specific location above the focus. Knowing these definitions helps clarify the relationship between the different terms while reinforcing the understanding that the epicenter is specifically linked to surface effects of seismic activity.