Two recent studies provide insights into the devastating earthquake in Nepal including one researcher’s conclusion that the activity was ‘relatively small’ and that the low and slow vibrations that actually tempered the number of casualties made tall buildings particularly vulnerable.

The catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Nepal in April destroyed numerous structures but somehow left many smaller buildings standing. 
Now, studies analyzing the geological physics of the event aim to explain why this happened and what it forebodes for future activity.  
Based on data collected from 15 regional GPS monitors&nbs