Motivation for a High Explosive Testing Program in South Africa
Abstract
The deep mines of South Africa have provided a unique research environment for several decades. Much has been learned about the impact of high in situ stress and its influence on rock bursts (violent rock fracture in deep mines due to the high stress environment). These rockbursts have provided seismic sources to develop accurate models of the crust and upper mantle. In addition, the release of stress through the use of high explosives has improved safety in mines and provided useful data for understanding earthquake source mechanisms. Of special interest to the research community associated with Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) activities is the possibility of evasive nuclear testing in deep mine environments where the release of high stress fields by an explosion can resemble a rock burst or natural earthquake. This paper provides background information on previous research in and around the deep mines of South Africa and lays out a conceptual plan of high explosive testing that extends this research activity while providing calibration data for the seismic and infrasound stations of International Monitoring System (IMS).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA627603
Entities
People
- Michael J. Shore
Organizations
- Applied Research Associates (United States)