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The Nord Stream sabotage, suspected to have been carried out using explosive charges, has been under scrutiny since seismic events linked to pressure plummets in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were detected in September 2022. These occurrences, indicative of pipeline ruptures in the western Baltic Sea, have prompted a multinational investigation into the deliberate disruption.
Nord Stream Sabotage: Understanding the Seismic and Infrasonic Signals
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In September 2022, the world was alerted to the rupture of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 natural gas pipelines in the western Baltic Sea. It was suspected to be an act of sabotage, using explosive charges to rupture the pipelines. This incident is still under investigation by multiple countries.
A recent study published in The Seismic Record provides further evidence on the nature of the seismic signals associated with the Nord Stream events. The researchers found that the signals lasted longer than expected from a single explosive source and resembled signals detected from underwater volcanoes or pipeline venting gas. This complexity makes it difficult to assess the source size and characteristics of the explosive charges used in the sabotage.
Rare Opportunity to Study Underwater Gas Pipeline Rupture
The Nord Stream events presented a unique opportunity for researchers to study seismic and infrasound signals resulting from the rupture of an underwater gas pipeline. The research team had access to data collected by local and regional seismic networks, as well as data from the International Monitoring System (IMS), a global network that detects nuclear and other explosions.
Distinguishing Explosions from Earthquakes
One method used by seismologists to determine whether a seismic event is caused by an explosion or an earthquake is to measure the ratio of P to S waves. Explosions typically have a higher ratio of P to S waves compared to earthquakes. The Nord Stream events differed significantly from nearby earthquakes in terms of this ratio, suggesting a complex source rather than a simple explosion source.
Long-Lasting Seismic and Infrasonic Signals
One of the most notable features of the Nord Stream events is the long-lasting seismic and infrasonic signals. These signals decay slowly over thousands of seconds, much longer than expected from a single explosive event. The researchers believe that these lengthy signals are a result of vibrations caused by high-pressure gas rapidly venting from the pipeline into the water and atmosphere. Similar long-lasting signals are observed in seismic events caused by roaring flames during pipeline explosions on land and venting by underwater volcanoes.
Comparing Magnitudes and Energy Ratios
The researchers compared the magnitude of the first Nord Stream pipeline seismic event to a seismic event caused by the underwater rupture of the Balticconnector gas pipeline. The Balticconnector rupture was believed to be caused by a ship’s anchor rather than an explosive charge. The difference in seismic magnitudes between the two events aligns with the estimated potential energy ratio of the gas in each pipeline. This suggests that the initial Nord Stream event was dominated by the rapid venting of high-pressure gas.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the seismic and infrasonic signals associated with the Nord Stream pipeline events. The complex nature of the signals, the long durations, and the similarities to signals from other natural and man-made events all contribute to our understanding of this unique event. Further investigations and analysis will continue to shed light on the source and characteristics of the sabotage.
FAQ’s
1. What is the nature of the seismic signals associated with the Nord Stream pipeline events?
The seismic signals associated with the Nord Stream pipeline events lasted longer than expected from a single explosive source and resembled signals detected from underwater volcanoes or pipeline venting gas.
2. How did the researchers study the seismic and infrasound signals resulting from the pipeline rupture?
The researchers had access to data collected by local and regional seismic networks, as well as data from the International Monitoring System (IMS), a global network that detects nuclear and other explosions.
3. How do seismologists distinguish between explosions and earthquakes?
Seismologists measure the ratio of P to S waves to determine whether a seismic event is caused by an explosion or an earthquake. Explosions typically have a higher ratio of P to S waves compared to earthquakes.
4. What is notable about the seismic and infrasonic signals associated with the Nord Stream events?
One notable feature is that the signals decay slowly over thousands of seconds, much longer than expected from a single explosive event. This is believed to be a result of vibrations caused by high-pressure gas rapidly venting from the pipeline.
5. How does the magnitude of the Nord Stream pipeline events compare to other seismic events?
The magnitude of the first Nord Stream pipeline event was compared to a seismic event caused by the underwater rupture of another gas pipeline. The difference in magnitudes aligns with the estimated potential energy ratio of the gas in each pipeline, suggesting that the initial Nord Stream event was dominated by the rapid venting of high-pressure gas.
Links to additional Resources:
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Seismological Society of America.Related Wikipedia Articles
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