Infrasound observation of the apparent North Korean nuclear test of 25 May 2009

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

3

Atmospheric Processes: Acoustic-Gravity Waves, Seismology: Seismic Monitoring And Test-Ban Treaty Verification, Seismology: General Or Miscellaneous

Scientific paper

On 25 May 2009, a seismic event (mb 4.6) was recorded from a source in northeastern North Korea, close to the location of a previous seismic event on 9 October 2006. Both events have been declared to be nuclear tests by North Korea. For the more recent test, five seismo-acoustic arrays in South Korea recorded epicentral infrasonic signals. The signals are characterized by amplitudes from 0.16 to 0.35 microbar and dominant frequencies between 0.8 and 4.3 Hz. Celerities determined for the arrivals suggest that most of the infrasonic energy travelled as a stratospheric phase. Based on observed stratospheric amplitudes, the epicentral infrasonic energy was estimated to be equivalent to that expected from 3.0 tons of high explosives detonated on the surface. We conclude that this small energy estimate is due to the atmospheric coupling from the strong surface ground motion rather than the direct transfer of explosion energy to the air. This relatively small infrasonic to seismic energy ratio could be used to distinguish the event from a common surface explosion.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Infrasound observation of the apparent North Korean nuclear test of 25 May 2009 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Infrasound observation of the apparent North Korean nuclear test of 25 May 2009, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Infrasound observation of the apparent North Korean nuclear test of 25 May 2009 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1265396

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.