What is the term for the point on Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake?

The term for the point on Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake is the "epicenter." This term is essential in seismology as it represents the geographical location where seismic waves from an earthquake are first felt. The epicenter is determined using data from multiple seismic stations, which measure the time it takes for seismic waves to travel to different locations. Understanding the epicenter helps in assessing the potential impact of an earthquake on nearby communities, as these areas are often the most affected.

The focus, or hypocenter, refers to the actual location within the Earth where the earthquake originates, and this is located beneath the Earth's surface. The other terms listed, such as "focus point" and "seismic center," are not standard terminology used in seismology, making "epicenter" the correct and precise term for the context of this question.