While the focus is the internal point of origin, its location is critical for determining the earthquake’s impact. If the focus is shallow (0–70 km), the energy reaches the surface quickly with high intensity, often causing significant destruction. If the focus is deep (300–700 km), the energy dissipates more as it travels upward. Seismologists use the arrival times of P and S waves at different stations to triangulate and pinpoint this “zero point.” Once the rocks at the focus break, waves radiate outward in all directions, eventually hitting the surface point directly above it, known as the epicenter.