The book about NORSAR is now available online!
“NORSAR and the Nuclear Test Ban” documents our over 50 years of efforts for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty – NORSAR contributed to the negotiations leading up to the Treaty and have been central in the development of the Treaty’s verification regime. The book was initially released in print format in early 2023 and is now available to everyone in a digital version!
Monitoring compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is NORSAR’s most important task. In 1999, we were appointed as the national data center for the Treaty by the Norwegian Parliament, and we advise Norwegian authorities on Treaty-related matters in addition to operating six monitoring stations on Norwegian Territory.
“NORSAR and the Nuclear Test Ban” takes you through over 50 years of test ban history from NORSAR’s perspective. Researchers from NORSAR played important roles in the creation of the Treaty’s verification system before it was adopted by the UN in 1996 and continue to have central roles in its development to this day. The book recounts the ups and downs over several decades of changes in both political and technological conditions, with the dynamics between national and international stakeholders in the test ban community as its backdrop.
The three authors photographed for the occasion of the book release in January 2023. From left: Tormod Kværna, Frode Ringdal, and Svein Mykkeltveit. Photo: NORSAR
The book is a collaborative effort between Frode Ringdal, Svein Mykkeltveit, and Tormod Kværna. All three authors have extensive experience at NORSAR and have held important positions in test ban monitoring work.
“NORSAR and the Nuclear Test Ban” can be read HERE or downloaded below.
About the authors
Frode Ringdal began his tenure at NORSAR as a researcher in 1969, just a year after its establishment. Frode was the director of NORSAR from 1977 to 1997. He contributed significantly to the method development for test ban monitoring. He was also an important resource in the preparations and negotiations for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
Svein Mykkeltveit has worked at NORSAR since 1979. In recognition of his efforts towards Norwegian contributions to nuclear disarmament, Svein was honored with the King’s Medal of Merit in 2020. This prestigious award acknowledges outstanding achievements both for Norway and humanity.
Tormod Kværna is a seismologist who has worked on research related to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Tormod joined NORSAR in 1984, and in 2016 he assumed the leadership role for a working group within the CTBTO, succeeding Frode.