Performance Assessment of the CTBTO Noble Gas Network to Detect Nuclear Explosions

Atmospheric radioxenon levels are monitored worldwide by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) to detect emissions from nuclear explosions. This paper examines the global network that has been set up to take routine air samples and to determine the atmospheric radioxenon concentrations. It is hypothesised that the monitoring system aims at the detection and localisation of radioxenon releases. Both capabilities are dependent on background levels, explosive yields, leakage rates, transport time, choice of xenon isotope and number and locations of monitoring stations. For each parameter, the global capabilities to detect and localise emissions from nuclear explosions are analysed. Recommendations for the future of the background sources and the development of the monitoring system are derived.