The Science of Japan's Earthquake, Illustrated by Harrowing Video

Oil refineries aflame. Train tracks twisted like string. Buildings ripped from their foundations. Japan's 8.9-magnitude earthquake has left its mark, especially in the expected death toll of over 1,000 people. This video roundup shows the science behind what happened today in Japan. Why (Most) Buildings Didn't Crumble The death toll is estimated around 1,000, which is bad enough, but it would have been much higher without good engineering, mandated by strict building codes. But these codes haven't been strict for long. In the 7.3-magnitude Kobe earthquake in 1995, 6,500 Japanese people died, and engineers looked on in horror as many buildings came crashing down; the most deadly ones were built before 1981, when building standards were still lower.