Methods of Evading Detection by a Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Network under Special Conditions

Geologic and engineering constraints on the feasibility of clandestine nuclear testing by decoupling in large underground cavities

“…All of these techniques were tested with nuclear explosions by the Soviets, and have been described as methods of evading detection under the CTBT [Spivak, 1995], although none have been validated with respect to their effect on seismic monitoring. Also described is the use of Carbon as a heat sink in cavities to enhance decoupling, and replacing the air in cavities with hydrogen or helium has also been proposed to extend the radiation phase of the fireball growth, thus allowing less energy to go into shock motion.…”