Speaker
Description
This presentation addresses the history of the CTBT hydroacoustic network, from its broad definition during negotiations of the Treaty through its establishment over the 25 years following the opening for signature of the CTBT.
Hydroacoustic network discussions during the negotiation of the CTBT will be addressed, including rationale for decisions that were made. The network concept was further solidified during the early years of the CTBTO, leading to the first Hydroacoustic Operational Manual.
The early work on establishing the hydrophone stations required innovative thinking to establish stations that would work as specified, be highly reliable, and be as maintainable as possible.
The progressive build-up of the hydroacoustic network has led to its current status of being the only fully certified technology in the CTBT network. It is a unique global observatory which is providing data not just for CTBT purposes, but also data for various civil and scientific uses. The underwater location of major elements of the hydrophone stations causes difficulties in sustaining them. Underwater repairs/replacement are very expensive, complex, and time consuming which provides a challenge in both installing highly reliable equipment and dealing with failure when it does occur.
