U.S. Conducts Underground Nuclear Tests to Detect Nuclear Explosions: Collects Ground Vibration Data, Accuses China of Conducting Nuclear Tests

The United States detonated a large underground explosion in Nevada on Wednesday. It did not use a nuclear bomb. Scientists placed powerful chemical explosives and recorded the vibrations and other signals generated by their explosions. The purpose of this experiment was to understand how to detect a country if it detonates a small nuclear explosion underground and tries to hide its signs. This experiment has happened at a time when the United States has previously accused China of trying to conduct secret nuclear tests. In 2020, the United States accused China of conducting such secret tests at China's Lope Noor Nuclear Test Center. The test was conducted about 900 feet below the ground. This experiment was conducted in the P-Tunnel area of the Nevada National Security Site. This tunnel is about 900 feet below the ground and has been used for experiments related to national security for a long time. Scientists placed chemical explosives inside the tunnel. Various types of sensors were installed to record the vibrations, sounds and other signals generated during the explosion. The data obtained from this experiment will be used to improve computer models and systems that detect nuclear explosions. This can help the United States identify possible nuclear explosions anywhere in the world. Why was the atomic bomb not used? America's intention was not to cause a nuclear explosion. It wanted to see what kind of signals were received outside when there was an explosion inside the ground. So scientists used chemical explosives instead of nuclear bombs. The vibrations generated by it and other signals were recorded. Why is it difficult to catch a nuclear explosion hidden under the ground? Usually, when a nuclear explosion occurs beneath the ground, a strong vibration is created in the surrounding land. This vibration is somewhat like an earthquake. Sensors installed in different parts of the world record such vibrations. Scientists study these signals to find out if a nuclear test has been conducted somewhere. But the problem arises when an attempt is made to deliberately weaken the signal of the explosion. This is called 'decoupling'. In simple terms, an attempt is made to detonate in a place where some part of its energy reaches the outside of the ground. Therefore, the vibration received by the sensor can be weakened and the test may be difficult to identify. America's new experiment is related to improving the ability to detect such small or low-signal explosions. China rejects the US allegation that China conducted a secret underground nuclear test at the Lop Noor Nuclear Test Center in Xinjiang on June 22, 2020. According to US officials, there was an earthquake of magnitude 2.75. They claimed that this was not a simple earthquake or an explosion caused by mining. The US says that China adopted the 'decoupling' technique, in which the explosion is made in a large cave underground. Therefore, the monitoring system does not record the shocks. China has completely denied these allegations. It says it has not conducted any nuclear test and the US is making allegations without any evidence. Meanwhile, the CTBTO said that its monitoring network did not receive any clear indication of a nuclear test that day. Two small earthquakes were reported, but it could not be determined whether they were caused by an earthquake, another explosion or a nuclear test.