Preparations for a Possible Third Nuclear Test Continue; Complications from Water Buildup?

To follow-up on the AP report on the north Korea (the non-compliant, unsafe, nuclear experimenter) and its possible preparations for a third nuclear test, here is the report and photos from the 38 North web site from Johns Hopkins and the US Korea Institute at SAIS. (please go to the site at the links below to view the photos)

V/R

Dave

Preparations for a Possible Third Nuclear Test Continue; Complications from Water Buildup?

| 

By 38 North

http://38north.org/2012/12/punggyeri122812/?utm_source=Copy+of+38+North+Bulletin%2C+122712&utm_campaign=38+North&utm_medium=email

A 38 North exclusive with analysis by Jack Liu, Nick Hansen and Jeffrey Lewis.

Summary

With North Korea’s long-range rocket test earlier this month and an expected U.S. effort to seek a tough response at the United Nations, concerns have grown that Pyongyang might conduct its third nuclear test. Satellite photos as recent as December 13 show that Pyongyang is determined to maintain a state of readiness at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site where a third test is expected even in the dead of winter. That effort includes a previously unidentified structure that may be intended to protect data gathering equipment from inclement weather. Despite flooding last summer and fall that destroyed key elements of the infrastructure at the site, the North moved quickly to restore their ability to operate the complex. Subsequent images from December show continued activity.

While the North may be able to trigger a detonation in as little as two weeks once a political decision is made to move forward, water first spotted streaming out of the suspected test tunnel in a November 19 satellite photo and still present almost a month later, may present a problem for Pyongyang.[1] In order to maintain a high level of readiness, the North Koreans will have to prevent water buildup in the tunnel that could possibly damage the nuclear test device and associated sensors designed to gather data on a detonation. Whether this potential problem is under control or has now been solved remains unclear.

New Analysis of Past Activity at Test Site: Structures Identified?

Operations at the southern tunnel site at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility, where experts suspect Pyongyang will conduct its next detonation, began in 2009 or 2010. Over time, some 8,000 cubic meters of rubble were excavated with spoil piles covering 4,000 square meters. By spring 2012, the site appeared almost ready for a test. A satellite image from April 18 shows a train of mining carts on top of the spoil pile and random unidentified structures or objects on or near the piles (see figure 1). Such patterns may be indicative of preparations to emplace the nuclear device and diagnostic equipment in the test chamber as well as to deliver stemming material and spoil to seal the shaft.[2]

(Continued at the link below)

http://38north.org/2012/12/punggyeri122812/?utm_source=Copy+of+38+North+Bulletin%2C+122712&utm_campaign=38+North&utm_medium=email