New method classifies explosions and earthquakes accurately, aiding enforcement

Eos March 27, 2024, 03:00 PM UTC

Summary: A new mathematical method can classify 99% of explosions and 98% of earthquakes accurately. Developed by researchers, it uses seismic moment tensors projected onto a five-dimensional hypersphere. This advancement aids in distinguishing between natural earthquakes and explosions, crucial for enforcing international weapons agreements. The tool correctly identified North Korean nuclear tests previously misclassified. Further improvements are underway to enhance accuracy.

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