The answer is c. on the earth’s surface directly above the initial release of seismic energy.
The definition of an epicentre: the point on the earth's surface directly above the origin of an earthquake (Cambridge Dictionary)
In Geology, we said that it is directly above the focus, which is the initial release of seismic energy mentioned in the above sentence.
As the other options do not have the correct location (e.g. within the Earth's surface, beneath the focus).
Therefore, the answer is c. on the earth’s surface directly above the initial release of seismic energy.
Hope it helps!
