Our network of monitoring stations can re-capture seismic data from conflict-related incidents. NORSAR has independently verified incidents such as the explosions near Ukrainian nuclear power plants in 2022 and the helicopter crash in Barentsburg in 2017. We have provided accurate timelines and location data that support safety assessments and increased situational awareness.  

This contributes to the overall information picture Norwegian authorities use to assess risks and hazards, and map the course of events in conflict, sabotage or accidents.  

NORSAR leads advances in safe, real-time monitoring of underground carbon capture storage using microseismic technologies. On the Norwegian continental shelf, NORSAR oversees the monitoring of the Northern Lights CO₂ storage facility near Bergen.  

Our research enhances the safety, cost-efficiency, and public understanding of CCS – and supports innovation in deep geothermal energy development.

Our core expertise lies in detecting and interpreting Earth’s movements – both natural and human-made – and describing them in real-time through automatic recordings and analyses.  

With a wide-reaching network of seismic, infrasound, and fiber-optic sensors – spanning the mainland, Svalbard, Jan Mayen, and Antarctica – we provide earthquake bulletins, risk maps, and early warning insights that inform public safety. 

Since 1999, NORSAR has played a pivotal role in supporting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) as Norway’s official National Data Centre. The Treaty has created a strong international norm against nuclear testing and is one of the main pillars of global disarmament efforts.  

We operate six international monitoring stations on Norwegian territory and advise national authorities on treaty-related matters. Through expert training programs and technology development, we also help build global capacity for detecting nuclear tests.