US Conducts Underground High-Explosive Test to Boost Nuclear Detection

The US nuclear detection test was conducted underground at the Nevada National Security Site as Washington works to improve its ability to identify low-yield nuclear explosions. The experiment involved a non-nuclear chemical high-explosive blast and was carried out by the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), according to the US Energy Department.

The experiment took place on Wednesday inside the P Tunnel in Area 12. Chemical high-explosives and radiotracers were used during the exercise. Officials said the data collected will help scientists validate existing models and improve algorithms used to detect nuclear explosions.

Focus on low-yield and decoupled explosions

A key objective of the experiment was to strengthen the US ability to identify explosions whose seismic signals may be difficult to detect. This includes so-called “decoupled” explosions, in which the effects of a blast can potentially be reduced or altered to make seismic monitoring less effective.

The experiment comes amid renewed US scrutiny of China’s nuclear activities. Earlier this year, Washington accused Beijing of conducting a secret nuclear test in June 2020 and alleged that methods were used to reduce the explosion’s seismic signature.

China rejected the allegation, calling it “entirely unfounded” and accusing the United States of attempting to create justification for restarting nuclear testing.

Arms control and monitoring concerns

The latest experiment also comes as the United States pushes for broader discussions on arms control and the monitoring of nuclear activity. Reliable detection systems are central to efforts to verify whether countries are complying with nuclear testing restrictions.

The Nevada experiment itself was non-nuclear, meaning it did not involve the detonation of a nuclear weapon or nuclear explosive device. Instead, researchers used conventional high explosives to gather scientific data relevant to nuclear explosion detection.

The information collected is expected to contribute to improvements in seismic monitoring, scientific modelling and detection algorithms as the US continues to assess emerging challenges in monitoring underground explosions.