The environment of the nuclear test sites on Novaya Zemlya

A Norwegian study of the effects of Soviet nuclear testing on the Arctic island of Novaya Zemlya is currently underway. The study, using aerial photographs and satellite images, and has revealed major rockslides and crater features that are most probably attributable to underground testing. Russian sources state that undergound testing at Novaya Zemlya carries little risk of post-explosion contaminant release, as the explosion vitrifies and seals the surrounding rock mass. The aim of the study is to provide relevant information on hydrogeological aspects of such nuclear testing, to test whether the testing may result in significant contamination of the Barents Sea.