Description
E-poster session with display of each e-poster on an assigned touchscreen
Underground nuclear explosions create cavities and zones of fractured rock, which can be detected using seismic reflection and inversion techniques. This study focuses on using seismic methods in accordance with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) protocols to improve the accuracy of cavity detection. Simulations of wave propagation using the Spectral Element Method (SEM) through...
During any on-site inspection programme of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), field geophysics applications used after results from the initial inspection period indicate the need for further investigation. Ground Penetration Radar, resonance seismometry, active seismic survey, electrical resistivity surveys, gravitational and magnetic mapping are the main geophysical methods...
Gravitational field mapping (GRV) is permitted by paragraph 69 of the CTBT treaty (1996; UN A/50/1027) for deployment during the continuation period of an on-site inspection (OSI) to look for features relevant to underground nuclear explosions (UNEs), including tunnels used for horizontal emplacements, underground voids and collapse features. Whilst the technique offers one of the best...
Resonance Seismometry is one of the allowed techniques of CTBT that the Inspection team may apply during the continuation period of an On-Site Inspection (OSI). The intent is to analyse seismic signals (earthquakes, active sources and noise) to detect wavefield disturbances indicative of a cavity or rubble zone caused by an underground nuclear explosion (UNE). However, the technique is only...
2-D radial electrical resistivity imaging profiles established around ground zero of the 18:45 GMT January 17, 2024 Ibadan, Nigeria explosion was adopted as an on-site inspection geophysical approach to establish the subsurface explosion disturbance pattern and delineate the lateral and depth extents. The blast was reported to have resulted from poor handling of mining explosives causing loss...
Underground nuclear explosions (UNE) characteristically generate cavities that serve as key indicators during On-Site Inspections (OSI). Active seismic methods involving advanced inversion methods are pivotal in detecting these underground anomalies by identifying static signatures associated with the explosion-induced cavities. The seismic waveform inversion technique is adept at resolving...
The development of equipment for measuring of low levels of argon-37 activity in atmospheric and soil air samples remains a priority task for improving nuclear test monitoring technologies during on-site inspections (OSI), as well as a promising direction for the International Monitoring System (IMS).
In recent years, under a contract with the CTBTO, the Khlopin Radium Institute has been...
Resonance seismometry (RES) and active seismic surveys (ACT) can be used during a continuation period of a CTBT on-site inspection (OSI). Given the time-restricted nature of an OSI, semi-automated workflows have been developed for quick understanding of the ACT and RES imaging potential, compatible with the standardized georeferenced data outputs of the current ACT equipment operated by the...
Verification of compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) requires highly accurate analysis methods. Based on the fission products analysis, it is proposed to increase inspections efficiency by using machine learning.
As part of research conducted by students from the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, a system is currently being developed that automates...
The rapid deployment of geophones makes them well suited for time limited collects or for events of interest. If the data is going to be analyzed during the deployment time frame, the analyst can ensure high quality data is achieved. In order to better assess the quality of data, we have generated high/low noise models for a variety of deployment types. Having these models as a base line can...
In preparation of the next Integrated Field Exercise, and in line with the capabilities developed with past field exercises, action plan project and expert meetings, the section Equipment and Instrumentalization of On-site Inspection division of the PTS has entered into a new stage of development of its telemetry solution. In 2022, the existing data transmission system had been subject to a...
In 2021, PTS presented the first comprehensive draft list of equipment for use during OSI, which is another milestone for the further development of the OSI verification regime. Multispectral imaging plays a vital role for the identification of potential OSI related anomalies and observables like abnormal heat sources, surface disturbances of vegetation and soil. In this work, further study of...
The ENEA Laboratory has been working since many years on difficult-to-measure radionuclides and low level activity isotopes. To achieve low level measurement, dedicated equipment are required as well as specific protocols for the analytical plan. During an OSI, a field laboratory will be run to measure relevant OSI radionuclides, in samples collected in the inspected area. The field laboratory...
To improve on-site inspection detection techniques, it is proposed to investigate the area based on changes in the local electromagnetic field of the Earth in the vicinity of the explosion site for residual magnetization.
As part of the research conducted by MEPhI students, approaches aimed at analyzing changes in the electromagnetic characteristics of the environment are being developed....
This work presents the methodological framework for MAM Microtremor Array Measurements (MAM) and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) techniques applied for a test site in Magurele, near the headquarters of the National Institute for Earth Physics. MAM provides information about deeper subsurface layers using low-frequency seismic waves, while MASW utilizes high-frequency surface...
The report presents a description and results of ongoing research at VNIIA on the following areas related to CTBT:
- research in the field of a scientific and methodological support and hardware and software for the CTBT on-site inspection activities, provides a comprehensive assessment and analysis of efficiency of controls and data information content published by the International Data...
This paper discusses ways to verify the integrity of information transmitted from on-site inspectors' tablets to a server for inspection data collection. Ensuring the integrity of incoming information is critical in on-site inspection work, as the slightest distortion of data, loss or addition of file, distortion of time and date of information collection, substitution or imitation of...
Measurements of radioactive noble gases, i.e. isotopes of xenon and argon, are an important part for an on-site inspection (OSI) in detecting an underground nuclear explosion. The first integrated field exercise where the capacity to collect and analyse noble gases were exercised was in Jordan, 2014(IFE14). Since then the development of methods and systems has improved the capacity for xenon...
The phrase “On-Site Inspections (OSIs) in challenging environments” has been extensively used in reference to OSI exercise environments. For example, the OSI Build-Up Exercise 2024 (BUE2024) was held in somewhat mountainous/rugged terrain and the next Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) is anticipated to be held in a tropical rain forest environment. These are just few among many other OSI...
Silicon nanowires are used for highly sensitive on-site radiation detection sensors. Silicon nanowires are synthesized by utilizing chemical vapor deposition techniques and they are surface modified with boron atoms for radiation detection. The silicon nanowires are approximately 15 micrometers long and 10 nanometers thick using the chemical vapor deposition reactor. The synthesized silicon...
The IGU-16HR3C, a cutting-edge wireless seismic sensor developed by SmartSolo, offers transformative potential for geophysical applications, particularly in enhancing the International Monitoring System (IMS) seismic stations, improving on-site inspections (OSIs), and adapting for explosion detection. For IMS stations, part of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty’s global network, the...
The initial overflight (IOF) and the additional overflight (AOF) multispectral (MSIR) configurations for use during an on-site inspection (OSI) have been reengineered to simplify installation, enhance ease-of-use, maximise capabilities as well as streamlining downstream data processing. These changes have been undertaken in compliance with the specifications listed in the First Comprehensive...
This paper presents a draft development plan for Radionuclide Techniques in On-Site Inspections (OSI) for the years 2025-2027. It outlines key areas of focus, including improvements in subsoil gas sampling methods, the integration of meteorological data into analysis, and advancements in software for data processing. The plan emphasizes the need for enhanced usability of sampling equipment,...
Particulate and Noble gas data collected during the OSI need to be assessed and integrated with the other OSI techniques in order to create a comprehensive report. While the spectra are analyzed jointly with ISP in the OSI Field laboratory on individual sample level, the results of their analysis shall be integrated over the entire Inspection Area and provide the basis for further refinement...
In 2022 and 2023, the PTS conducted field tests for the development of seismic and non-seismic geophysical techniques for deep on-site inspection (OSI) applications. The 2022 Field Test took place in the Austrian Alps over a cave system in limestone with karst voids 5-15 m in diameter at depths of 40-350 m. Non-seismic methods were deployed over two profiles: electrical resistivity tomography...
In 2022 and 2023, the PTS conducted two field tests for the development of seismic and non-seismic geophysical techniques for deep on-site inspection (OSI) applications. The 2022 Field Test took place in the Austrian Alps over a cave system embedded in limestone with karst voids 5-15 m in diameter at depths of 40-350 m. Active seismic surveys (ACT) and resonance seismometry (RES) were...
The advancement of geophysical acquisition technology is currently growing. One of the technologies that we have begun to develop and apply is the Aero-magnetic and Aero-GPR methods that utilize Drone vehicles. We apply this aero GPR acquisition method to coal mining areas, and have succeeded in identifying micro fractures, coal thickness to sedimentation in water reservoirs in exploitation...
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) prohibits nuclear explosions for any purpose, ensuring global security and environmental protection. To verify compliance with the CTBT, onsite inspections (OSIs) are conducted in suspected areas of violations. Advanced technologies like wireless smart seismic nodes have emerged that can be invaluable tools for enhancing the effectiveness of...
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a crucial geophysical technique used by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) during On-Site Inspections (OSI) to detect and investigate subsurface anomalies potentially associated with underground nuclear tests. This paper explores the application of the open source software “GPRmax” to simulate GPR scenarios relevant to OSI missions....
This work presents the results obtained from the use of geological and geophysical techniques for the identification of large unstable regions, and can be used in on-site inspections within the framework of cooperation and knowledge exchange of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Deep-seated gravitational slope deformations are slow and of great volume. The analyzed case is a...
This presentation discusses the development of Concepts of Operations for noble gas sampling from tunnel facilities. It will explore the basic physics of gas flow in tunnels, providing a foundational understanding of how gases move and accumulate in such environments. We will then present examples from sampling conducted at the Nevada National Security Site, showcasing practical applications...
The zero-yield standard prohibits explosive experiments involving a supercritical fission chain reaction while permitting subcritical experiments. The latter are still conducted by certain nuclear weapon states today to ensure the performance and safety of their nuclear arsenals. However, there have been growing tensions between these states as they suspect each other of violating the...
