Experts Say New Sensing Tools Could Help Ease Concerns on Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty

Advances in technology and analysis techniques in recent years have greatly enhanced prospects for international watchdogs to detect covert nuclear tests, according to a study whose findings address one of the U.S. Senate’s concerns from 1999, when it voted against ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty.

A global system of sensors that monitor the Earth’s rocky crust, oceans and atmosphere for tell-tale signs of nuclear explosions has moved from a prototype system in the 1990s to nearly full implementation today. System managers, meanwhile, have launched a process to engage independent scientists and engineers on an ongoing basis to help keep the technology robust and innovative, study leaders told a 13 July gathering sponsored by the AAAS Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

To learn more about the study that provides the most comprehensive evaluation of international verification technology to date, read the full story.