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Three-dimensional Nonlinear Calculations of Explosions at the Novaya Zemlya Nuclear Test Site

Description: 

We performed a series of three-dimensional nonlinear finite element calculations to model explosions at the former Soviet Novaya Zemlya nuclear test site. We organized all the available data from Novaya Zemlya explosions, including depth, topography and yield information. Many of these events are multiple simultaneous explosions. We performed calculations for six multiple events at the Northern Novaya Zemlya test site and five events at the Southern Novaya Zemlya test site. The Northern Novaya Zemlya test site has steep topography, so we performed equivalent calculations in a flat topography for comparison. The Southern Novaya Zemlya test site is nearly flat, so topography is not an issue, however these events are strongly affected by tectonic release, and are in an area of compression. We performed calculations with and without compressive tectonic stresses. From each of the calculations, we generated surface waves, full waveform regional seismograms and far-field body waves. We collected all the available seismic data from the calculated events and remeasured all of the surface wave magnitudes. We find that without tectonic stresses, the calculated surface waves are larger than the observed surface waves, but when compressive prestress is included the calculated surface waves are close to the observed values. Multiple simultaneous explosions also generate Love waves and non-isotropic Rayleigh waves. Multiple explosions may cause more surface wave variability than topography. Down going P-waves are almost unaffected by either topography or tectonic release. The reflected pP phase is distorted by topography which can reduce interference with the initial P-wave. Multiple explosions cause small but distinct variability in the P-waves at higher frequencies.

Session: Advancements in Forensic Seismology and Explosion Monitoring - I

Type: Oral

Date: 5/2/2024

Presentation Time: 08:15 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Jeffry

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Authors