Seismic activity reported in area of previous North Korea nuclear tests
Seismic activity reported in area of previous North Korea nuclear tests
The U.S. Geological Survey reported a seismic disturbance in northern North Korea on Tuesday, centered near the site of the secretive regime's two previous nuclear tests.
The area around the reported epicenter of the magnitude 4.9 disturbance has little or no history of earthquakes or natural seismic hazards, according to U.S. Geological Survey maps. The disturbance took place at a depth of about 1 kilometer, the USGS said.
There were no initial reports concerning the activity on the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday.
3rd nuclear test could empower N. Korea
North Korea threatens new nuclear test
The reclusive, Stalinist state announced last month that it planned a new nuclear test and more long-range rocket launches, all of which it said were part of a new phase of confrontation with the United States.
U.S. analysts say North Korea's first bomb test, in October 2006, produced an explosive yield at less than 1 kiloton (1,000 tons) of TNT. A second test in May 2009 is believed to have been about two kilotons, National Intelligence Director James Clapper told a Senate committee in 2012.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/11/world/asia/north-korea-seismic-disturbance/index.html
