The first step to know the meaning of the term epicenter is to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it derives from Greek, since it is the result of the sum of two lexical components of said language:
-The prefix «epi-«, which can be translated as «above» or «on».
-The noun "kentron", which is synonymous with "tip" and "center".
That Greek word came to Latin as epicentrum and then became epicenter in our language. The concept is used to name the surface center of the region affected by an earthquake .
Of course, it must be established that the term epicenter was coined in the second half of the 19th century by the Irish geophysicist Robert Maller (1810 – 1881). Specifically, he proposed it in 1880.
Among the synonyms of epicenter we can highlight some such as focus, nucleus or center. On the contrary, among the antonyms are periphery or contour.
The epicenter is located above the hypocenter : the internal point of the Earth's crust where the earthquake or earthquake originates. It should be remembered that the ideas of earthquake, earthquake and earthquake refer to an intense agitation of the Earth's crust and mantle caused by forces that develop within the planet.
An earthquake, therefore, is a shock that has its origin in the hypocenter. The superficial place above the hypocenter is the epicenter. In other words, the epicenter is reached by drawing a vertical line from the hypocenter to the surface .
Generally, the epicenter is the site where the most significant damage caused by the earthquake occurs. In any case, if the earthquake is very large, the fault rupture is wide and the main damage can be located beyond the epicenter.
To determine the epicenter, a mathematical method called trilateration is used. When an earthquake occurs, seismic waves diffuse from the hypocenter in a spherical shape. Using a seismograph , the arrival of the waves at no less than three seismic measurement stations is recorded and, from the different arrival times, the distance traveled, called epicentral distance, can be calculated. These data, with the application of trilateration, make it possible to determine the epicenter.
In the same way, in this sense it must be taken into account that it is essential to take into consideration the probability of occurrence of earthquakes of a specific magnitude in a region. Specifically, this probability can be calculated using what is known as a Poisson distribution.
In addition to all of the above, we cannot forget that in Seville there is the Epicentro Hotel, which is located on the emblematic Sierpes street, in the historic center, specifically about 600 meters from the Triana – Isabel II Bridge. Likewise, it must be emphasized that it has two stars and that it is especially recommended for families, for those who want to experience the city intensely and for those who visit the city not only to discover its historical heritage but also its leisure agenda.