The station is part of the global network of 79 stations that continuously measure radioactive substances in the atmosphere to monitor compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which prohibits nuclear test explosions. RN49 is the only Norwegian radionuclide station in the network, and the only radionuclide station in Svalbard.

Global network of measurement stations

In the event of a detonation of nuclear weapons or a release from a nuclear power plant, radioactive substances that do not occur naturally will be released. If the release occurs above ground or there are leaks from an underground explosion, the radioactive substances will be released into the atmosphere and transported by air currents quickly and over long distances. The measurement systems are very sensitive, and if substances that do not occur naturally are detected, this is a sure sign of a man-made event. Therefore, the verification system for compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has a global network of measurement stations, which use various technologies to detect possible explosions. In addition to RN49, NORSAR operates five other stations on Norwegian territory: four seismic and one infrasound station.

Location is important

To achieve the best possible measurements, the station must be located in a place with good air exchange, a stable power supply, and available operational personnel. The only place in Longyearbyen that met all these requirements was KSAT’s antenna area on Platåberget.

Fly photo of the KSAT antenna area on Platåberget. Photo: KSAT

Necessary Renewal

RN49 was originally commissioned as an air filter station in 2002. In 2012, it was expanded to include sampling of noble gases. This is a more complex procedure carried out at only 39 of the 79 stations in the network. By 2022, both parts of the station had been in continuous operation for 10 and 20 years respectively, and it was time to renew the station. Important components of the noble gas station were replaced in early summer 2022, and most of the particle station was renovated in late summer 2023. After the renewals, the stations have undergone a testing phase.

Must be Reapproved

For the station to be formally put back into operation as part of the international network, it must be recertified by the Provisional Technical Secretariat. This process includes an assessment of the station’s performance, operating systems, available expertise, and documentation. Last week, experts from the Provisional Technical Secretariat (CTBTO) were on inspection together with senior engineer at NORSAR, Morten Sickel. Initially, it is the noble gas station that will undergo recertification. The timing for recertification of the particle station has not yet been decided, but is expected to take place during 2024.

Experts from CTBTO, Aleksandr Tarasov and Herbert Gohla, during the inspection. Photo: NORSAR

Multiple Uses

Although the station is primarily installed to detect covert detonations of nuclear weapons, it has also proven useful for recording emissions from industrial processes and accidents both in Europe and Asia, including after the Fukushima accident in 2011. However, none of these events have posed threats to humans or nature in Svalbard.

In Norway, the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) is the regulatory body responsible for managing radioactive incidents. They use data from RN49 in combination with their own measurement stations on the mainland to build situational awareness following major releases. Data from the stations is also of interest to atmospheric researchers, who can use it to verify and develop models for the transport of substances in the atmosphere.