Earthquakes and nuclear tests can now be distinguished with 99 percent accuracy!

Researchers from the Australian National University have improved upon traditional mathematical and statistical methods used to evaluate seismic data, developing a technique capable of distinguishing between the tremors of nuclear tests and earthquakes with 99 percent accuracy. This rate significantly exceeds the 82 percent success rate achieved with previous methods.

The lead author of the study, Mark Hoggard, shared the results of this research, which was published in the scientific journal Geophysical Journal International. According to Hoggard, with the newly developed method, seismic data from 140 U.S. nuclear tests can be distinguished from earthquakes with 99 percent accuracy.

Furthermore, it was noted that data from the six nuclear weapons tests conducted by North Korea between 2006 and 2017 were similarly and successfully differentiated. The high energy levels of underground earthquakes or explosions produce body waves and surface waves. This new method can distinguish between nuclear tests and natural earthquakes by calculating the movements of these wave types more precisely.

Hoggard emphasized that this new method improves existing statistical systems and does not require extra equipment or satellites. Stating that only standard seismic data is used, Hoggard expressed that this method provides fast results and is also suitable for real-time monitoring.

News Source: 12punto