Sniffing out clandestine tests
Article Abstract:
An experiment at the Nevada Test Site, New Mexico, demonstrates that nuclear ban violation can be detected by scanning the site for radioactive noble gases such as xenon-133 and argon-37. These gases are sucked out of the test cavity by atmospheric depressions through geological faults, and can be detected long after the actual explosion has taken place. The nuclear explosion was simulated by a 1,000 tonne chemical explosion, 400 meter below ground. The experiment used helium-3 and sulfur hexafluoride to imitate the behaviour of radioactive gases in a nuclear explosion.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Trace gas emissions on geological faults as indicators of underground nuclear testing
Article Abstract:
The sampling of radionuclides along natural fractures and faults is an effective method for the detection of underground nuclear explosions that do not fracture the surface. The 133Xe and 37Ar radionuclides produced by a simulated 1-kilotonne nuclear explosion at the Rainier Mesa, Nevada Test Site, can be detected almost 50 and 80 days after the explosion. The trace gases move along the faults and fractures due to barometeric pressure differences. The short-lived highly dilute radionuclides are transported to the surface within a few weeks to an year.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Underwater 'sniffing' by semi-aquatic mammals
Article Abstract:
A novel mechanism is described for underwater sniffing used by the semi-aquatic star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) and water shrew (Sorex palustris), which has provided a mechanism for mammalian olfaction underwater. The results have called for the reassessment of the assumption that olfaction is useless underwater and has raised a possibility that air might be an intermediate substrate for odorant transport in other aquatic animals.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2006
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