Science: Nuclear Detection System

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Quick Inspection. The experts reported that 160-170 land stations and ten on anchored or drifting ships should be able to monitor the entire earth with existing instruments, which are sure to improve with time. To do the full job—which may never be needed—37 of them should be in Asia, 24 in North America, six in Europe, seven in Australia, 16 in South America. 16 in Africa, four in Antarctica and 60 on islands (see schematic map with possible locations). In regions where earthquakes are common, the stations should be closer together (625 miles) than in nonseismic areas (1,060 miles).

Neither Russians nor Americans consider the system infallible. In 20 to 100 cases a year, natural earthquakes might be mistaken for deep underground tests. So they recommended that the international organization running the control system be permitted to go immediately to any suspected area and look for evidence of testing. Human ingenuity might find some way to fool this inspection too. but the experts decided that the risk of exposure would be extremely high.