The complexity of processes in a seismic source zone has inspired us to reconsider a class of basic motions and deformations in an asymmetric continuum, including simple motions (translation and rotation, named spin) and simple deformations. Simple deformations include the axial nuclei, that is, point extension/compression, and the shear nuclei related to string-string point deformations. The point deformation is further redefined as another kind of rotational motion, called twist, representing oscillations of the main shear axes and their amplitudes. Some remarks are added on the recording systems used to measure these motions and deformations.

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