# Same earthquake. Different meanings.

Earth cross-section labeling the underground hypocenter and surface epicenter, accompanied by separate definitions for magnitude and location-specific shaking intensity.

AI / UNTANGLED

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/visualglossary

Same earthquake. Different meanings.

Four earthquake terms you can point to

SURFACE

EPICENTER

Surface point above the start.

HYPOCENTER

Underground starting point.

Schematic

MAGNITUDE

Earthquake size: a single value describes the

event.

INTENSITY

Shaking at a location: values vary from place

to place. This drawing is not a shaking

forecast.

Point locations are schematic • No scale • No earthquake prediction

Four introductory terms; schematic drawing with no scale or risk prediction.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey | Retrieved October 31, 2026

https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science-earthquakes

Original AI Untangled educational visual • Source-based example • Not an official agency graphic

[Official source](https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science-earthquakes)