Presentation of the International Scientific Study on CTBT Verification

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) hosted a presentation of the International Scientific Study on the verification system of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on July 13, 2009. The International Scientific Study (ISS) is being carried out by top scientists around the world over a period of a year and a half to assess the readiness and capabilities of the global monitoring system. CSIS and AAAS will bring a number of scientists participating in the study to present their findings.

The areas under investigation by the ISS include the four networks that monitor for nuclear weapon test explosions—seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide--as well as on-site inspection methods, data mining and system performance.

Agenda

Moderated by Jenifer Mackby, CSIS and Benn Tannenbaum, AAAS

12:00 Luncheon

12:15 Welcome by moderators Jenifer Mackby, CSIS, and Benn Tannenbaum, Center for Science, Technology and Security Policy, AAAS

Introduction to the International Scientific Study
Ola Dahlman, Chairman, ISS

Readiness & Capability of the System
Jay Zucca, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Discussion
Explosions: Underground, Underwater, Atmosphere
Ola Dahlman, Chairman, ISS
Harry Miley, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

On-Site Inspections
Massimo Chiappini, Italian Institute of Geophysics

Discussion
Reflections
Yves Caristan, French Atomic Energy Commission

15:30 Conclusion