US tests explosion at Nevada Security Site to improve nuclear detection - News3LV
US tests explosion at Nevada Security Site to improve nuclear detection | KSNV
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The U.S. government says it tested a chemical explosion at the Nevada National Security Site this week as part of an effort to improve nuclear explosion detection.
A team led by the National Nuclear Security Administration conducted a "subsurface chemical explosion" on Wednesday, the Energy Department said in a news release.
The goal of the test is to improve the government's ability to detect low-yield nuclear explosions.
"These experiments advance our efforts to develop new technology in support of U.S. nuclear nonproliferation goals," Corey Hinderstein, NNSA's Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, said in a statement. "They will help reduce global nuclear threats by improving the detection of underground nuclear explosive tests."
The experiment was conducted in the P tunnel in Area 12, and it used chemical high-explosives and radiotracers, the Energy Department said.
Researchers used accelerometers, seismometers, infrasound sensor, electromagnetic sensors, chemical and radiotracer samplers. Seismic data from the test is available for review at earthscope.org.
The Nevada National Security Site, formerly known as the Nevada Test Site, is located in southeastern Nye County. It was established for nuclear testing and continues to serve as a site for weapons research and development.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: nuclear
Nuclear energy provides almost 20 percent of the U.S. electricity supply. Advocates have called for an expanded role for nuclear as an emissions-free fuel source. But the economics of building new reactors are daunting. In addition, lingering safety concerns are an institutionalized part of the calculation of nuclear regulation, and highly radioactive nuclear waste remains a can that public officials have been inclined to kick down the road. The Energy Information Administration projects a sharp decline in nuclear power generation over the next decade, as new nuclear plants — two are planned — are more than offset by anticipated retirements of several operating reactors.