THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE NUCLEAR TEST SIES ON NOVAYA-ZEMLYA

A Norwegian study of the effects of Soviet nuclear testing on the Arct ic island of Novaya Zemlya is currently underway. The study, using aer ial photographs and satellite images, and has revealed major rockslide s and crater features that are most probably attributable to undergrou nd testing. Russian sources state that underground testing at Novaya Z emlya carries little risk of post-explosion contaminant release, as th e explosion vitrifies and seals the surrounding rock mass. The aim of the study is to provide relevant information on hydrogeological aspect s of such nuclear testing, to test whether the testing may result in s ignificant contamination of the Barents Sea. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.