Earthquake waves, or seismic waves, are generated at the earthquake focus (also called the hypocenter), which is the point within the Earth where the sudden release of stored elastic strain energy occurs due to movement along a fault. This sudden movement causes the rock to fracture and releases energy in the form of seismic waves that propagate outward through the Earth. These waves cause the shaking felt during an earthquake.

To summarize:

• The waves originate at the earthquake focus or hypocenter, located below the Earth's surface.
• This focus is typically along a fault where accumulated stress over time is suddenly released.
• The energy released radiates in all directions as seismic waves through Earth's interior and along its surface.

Thus, earthquake waves are generated at the point of sudden rock fracture deep within the Earth called the focus or hypocenter.