The detection and recognition of underground nuclear explosions

Argo, P.E.; Clark, Roger A.; Douglas, A.; Gupta, Vipin P.; Hassard, J.; Lewis, Paul; Maguire, P. K. H.; Playford, K.; Ringdal, Frode

doi:10.1007/bf00665683

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Our modeling approach includes a number of simplifications. The raytracing part neglects winds as well as temperature and density deviations from the MSIS‐E‐90 atmosphere model, which can have a significant impact on the timing and propagation paths of atmospheric acoustic waves [ Argo et al , 1995]. However, the HWM‐93 empirical wind model [ Hedin et al , 1996] yields a maximum wind to sound speed ratio of only 10.9% at 255 km altitude over the location of Montserrat and for the environmental conditions at the time of the eruption.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Positioning System detection and energy estimation of the ionospheric wave caused by the 13 July 2003 explosion of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

2009

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[1] Volcanic explosions or shallow earthquakes are known to trigger acoustic and gravity waves that propagate in the atmosphere at infrasonic speeds. At ionospheric heights, coupling between neutral particles and free electrons induces variations of electron density detectable with dual-frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements. Using GPS data collected in the Caribbean, we identified an ionospheric perturbation after a major volcanic explosion at the Soufrière Hills Volcano (Montserrat, Lesser Antilles) on 13 July 2003. Spectral analysis reveals peaks centered at 1 and 4 mHz, similar to those in previous observations and consistent with theory, suggesting both gravity and acoustic wave components. We retrieve a horizontal velocity of $624 m/s for the acoustic component, which implies upward propagation at $33°, consistent with ray-tracing results. We model the acoustic wave using an N-wave pressure source at ground level combined with ray tracing to propagate the neutral pressure wave; this accounts for the dispersive characteristics of the atmosphere while conserving total acoustic energy. Plasma velocity is derived from neutral velocity using a finite difference solution of the magnetohydrodynamic momentum equation. The continuity equation for charge densities is used to compute corresponding electron density variations, which are then numerically integrated along satellite-to-receiver line of sights, simultaneously accounting for the satellite displacements. We minimize the misfit between observed and model waveforms to estimate a total acoustic energy release of 1.53 Â 10 10 J for the primary explosion event at Soufrière Hills Volcano associated with the peak dome collapse. This method can be applied to any explosion of sufficient magnitude, provided GPS data are available at near to medium range from the source.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Positioning System detection and energy estimation of the ionospheric wave caused by the 13 July 2003 explosion of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

2009

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“…Mismatches between model and observed TEC signals may result from neglecting winds as well as temperature and density deviations from the MSIS‐E‐90 atmosphere model, both of which have been shown to impact the timing and propagation paths of atmospheric acoustic waves (e.g. Argo et al 1995). In addition, the point source used here is likely an oversimplification of a longer and more complex source function, with a moment that may not be perfectly isotropic (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lithosphere��atmosphere��ionosphere coupling after the 2003 explosive eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat

Dautermann¹,

Calais

Lognonné

et al. 2009

Geophysical Journal International

105

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SUMMARY Resonant coupling between the Earth and the atmosphere at frequencies where the solid Earth modes overlap the fundamental modes of the atmosphere allows for the triggering of oscillatory acoustic perturbations by ground excitation and vice versa. Here, we describe oscillatory perturbations observed in the solid Earth (from volumetric borehole strainmeter data) and in the atmosphere (from GPS‐derived ionospheric total electron content) following the 2003 July 13, Soufrière Hills Volcano explosion (Montserrat, Lesser Antilles). Spectral analysis shows an amplitude peak at 4 mHz for both data sets, with similar waveforms and signal duration. Using a normal mode summation technique, we show that both signals are explained by a single explosive source in the atmosphere. Similarities in waveforms, in particular a double wave train also reported after several other explosion‐triggered atmospheric perturbations, result from the superposition of the dominant (fundamental) atmospheric modes that trigger resonant coupling with the solid Earth around 4 mHz.

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“…Detection after this time would be enabled by multimodal technical means described in the previous section on the CTBT. Distinguishing between waves generated by explosions and those triggered by earthquakes became a topic of much discussion (Argo et al, ). The effect of acoustic radiation by UNEs was calculated by Rudenko and Uralov () and shown to propagate upward, with only small amounts captured by the Earth's waveguide.…”

Section: Atmospheric Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ionospheric Detection of Explosive Events

Huang

Helmboldt

Park

et al. 2019

Reviews of Geophysics

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The ionospheric response to explosions which occur at or below the Earth's surface has been noted since the first detonations of nuclear devices during the early period of aboveground testing. Acoustic gravity waves and traveling ionospheric disturbances were detected in association with test explosions carried out by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in Novaya Zemlya in 1961. While research in this area has continued, the standards accepted by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty for detection and confirmation of nuclear explosions have been based on (1) seismic, (2) hydroacoustic, (3) infrasound, and (4) radionuclide monitoring from ground detectors. We suggest that ionospheric sensing offers a complementary methodology that may allow for robust confirmation of explosive events. One method of ionospheric monitoring of explosive events is analysis of total electron content (TEC), available by processing data from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers distributed globally on land masses. Traveling ionospheric disturbances observed by their signature in TEC have been used to detect and confirm mine collapses, mine blasts, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and meteorite strikes as well as underground nuclear tests. While an integrated measurement like TEC is not as sensitive to small-amplitude density perturbations as other methods, the existence of large networks of continuously operating GNSS stations makes this an intriguing new monitoring asset. We report on the current capabilities for detection of explosions via the ionosphere, the outstanding challenges, and prospects for future developments that have potential to augment the current standards for detection and confirmation of nuclear detonations. By leveraging the worldwide network of GNSS receivers, robust confirmation of impulsive events is possible. This methodology complements existing technologies approved by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The article outlines background theory, new approaches to monitoring of explosions, and challenges that remain to be addressed.

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The detection and recognition of underground nuclear explosions

Cited by 9 publications

References 27 publications

Global Positioning System detection and energy estimation of the ionospheric wave caused by the 13 July 2003 explosion of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

Global Positioning System detection and energy estimation of the ionospheric wave caused by the 13 July 2003 explosion of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

Lithosphere��atmosphere��ionosphere coupling after the 2003 explosive eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat

Ionospheric Detection of Explosive Events

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The detection and recognition of underground nuclear explosions

Cited by 9 publications

References 27 publications

Global Positioning System detection and energy estimation of the ionospheric wave caused by the 13 July 2003 explosion of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

Global Positioning System detection and energy estimation of the ionospheric wave caused by the 13 July 2003 explosion of the Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

Lithosphere���atmosphere���ionosphere coupling after the 2003 explosive eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat

Ionospheric Detection of Explosive Events

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Lithosphere��atmosphere��ionosphere coupling after the 2003 explosive eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat