Catastrophic slip occurs at hypocenter

• Hypocenter = focus

• Stored elastic energy released, creating wave-like distortions that emanate from focus as seismic waves

• Elastic distortions consist of:

  • Compression/dilatation of bonds in rocks
  • Shearing of bonds in rocks
  • Rotary motion of particles in rock, etc.

• Components disperse with distance from focus

• Distinguish body wave & surface wave components

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