The location on the surface directly above the point where an earthquake starts is called the epicenter.

Here's a breakdown:

* Focus (Hypocenter): This is the actual point *inside* the Earth where the earthquake originates. It's the place where the rocks break and release energy.

* Epicenter: This is the point on the Earth's *surface* directly above the focus. It's often the location where the strongest shaking is felt.

Think of it like this: Imagine you have a balloon, and you poke a hole in it (the focus). The place on the outside of the balloon directly above the hole is the epicenter.