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Consider the following statements regarding hypocentre :
I. It is the point where the energy is released and is called the focus of an earthquake.
II. It is the point where the earthquake starts and may be many kilometers deep within the Earth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Both statements are correct. The hypocentre, also known as the focus, is the specific point within the Earth's crust or mantle where a seismic rupture initiates, leading to the release of energy in the form of seismic waves. Statement I is correct as "focus" and "hypocentre" are synonymous terms in seismology.
Statement II is also correct because the hypocentre marks the physical starting point of the earthquake. The depth of the hypocentre (focal depth) varies significantly; shallow-focus earthquakes occur at depths less than 70 km, while deep-focus earthquakes can occur at depths of up to 700 km below the Earth's surface. In contrast, the epicentre is the point on the Earth's surface directly vertical to the hypocentre.