The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans nuclear explosions by everyone, everywhere: above ground, underwater and underground. 

AWE Blacknest is home to the Forensic Seismology department and the UK’s centre for forensics seismology and infrasound. Here techniques are researched and developed to distinguish seismic signals generated by underground nuclear explosions from those generated by earthquakes. The forensic seismology work undertaken at Blacknest is pivotal to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Through the collection and analysis of data from monitoring systems located all over the world, Blacknest supports the Government in identifying potential nuclear explosions conducted by other countries.

We support the MOD in underpinning the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) by providing expertise on arms control verification, development of monitoring techniques, and the capability to analyse and advise on nuclear tests. We work with international partners to prepare future nuclear treaty verification scope and support arms control verification research.