An earthquake's hypocenter is the point within the earth where seismic waves originate, defined by its latitude and longitude at the earth's surface directly above. A deterministic seismic hazard analysis assigns the maximum probable earthquake magnitude for a seismic source and estimates ground shaking at a site based on its minimum distance from the fault, referring to this magnitude as the maximum credible earthquake. Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of elastic energy within the earth, sending seismic waves throughout.