Irish Seismometers Record North Korea Nuclear Test

In the early hours of the morning on the 12th February 2013, the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN) recorded an unusual seismic event in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The DPRK claimed today that it has conducted yet another nuclear test, the third within the last seven years.

Initial estimates show that this event measured Mag 4.9, and occurred at 02.58 GMT approx. It was located in the region of the previous North Korean nuclear tests of 2006 and 2009. The South Korean defence ministry has provided preliminary yield estimates for the test of between 6 – 7 kilotons.

The picture shows the energy generated by the nuclear test arriving at our stations in DSB Dublin and IDGL Donegal, approx 11 minutes after the time of detonation.

We kindly acknowledge data also from BGS, UK.

DIAS press release for the North Korean nuclear blast

Mr. Tom Blake
Head, National Data Centre,
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
School of Cosmic Physics
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies