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Seismology in Support of Negotiation, Implementation, and Verification of Nuclear Test Ban Treaties and Science Diplomacy: Where It Started and DOS R&D Challenges

Description: 

In the late 1950s, scientists, diplomats, and policy makers recognized that improved seismological knowledge and capabilities were crucial for the detection and identification of underground nuclear explosions. The Eisenhower Administration initiated a comprehensive research and development program in seismology, known as Project Vela Uniform, based on the recommendations of the Berkner Panel Report filed by top national experts in seismology. From the Vela program’s inception, DoD entities led by DARPA, developed the technical basis for all U.S. test ban treaty negotiations. In 1994, DoD transferred the programmatic and funding responsibility for Applied Seismological R&D to DOE, with the understanding that DOE would establish an applied nuclear explosion monitoring (NEM) program at national laboratories, while continuing to support academia and industrial communities through open-and-full competitions.^[1] In parallel to these major DoD and DOE efforts, there was a small, yet operations-centric program at the former Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and then later at the Department of State, focusing on prompt transition of products to operations, for advancing national and international arms control verification goals, as well as for assessing compliance with nuclear test ban treaties and commitments. The seismic portion of DOS “verification research” reached peak in 2018-2021. Central to this seismic research program was region-specific geophysical calibration research, which was highlighted as a national priority in a 2019 OSTP policy report. In this talk, I describe how U.S. seismic research activities have evolved over the decades, how the DOS-funded projects augmented major nuclear monitoring R&D and operational efforts through international cooperative activities, often called “science diplomacy”, and how DOS is seeking a sustainable solution to move forward in this fiscally challenging environment and time.

^[1] John Keliher (Director, Nonproliferation and National Security, DOE) memo to John Deutch (Deputy Secretary of Defense), April 22, 1994.

Session: Advancements in Forensic Seismology and Explosion Monitoring - I

Type: Oral

Date: 5/2/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Rongsong

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: Yes

Authors