Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Seismic Swarm Near Nevada’s Tonopah Test Range Prompts Scrutiny, Not Confirmation of Nuclear Tests

Officials have issued no announcement of explosive testing, leaving speculation unsupported.

Overview

  • USGS recorded 16 earthquakes stronger than magnitude 2.5 over the last day in the vicinity of the Tonopah Test Range, also known as Area 52.
  • Scientists reported more than 100 seismic events within roughly 50 miles of the site in the past week.
  • The strongest tremor registered magnitude 4.3 at 11:37 a.m. ET on Sunday about 48 miles northeast of Tonopah.
  • No injuries or major damage have been reported, and the cluster lies within the Central Nevada Seismic Zone where swarms are geologically common.
  • Public conjecture has risen given the New START treaty’s expiry and U.S. military action against Iran, yet no evidence has been presented to show a nuclear detonation.