Integrated Field Exercise 2008 concludes successfully
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The CTBTO integrated on–site inspection exercise took place at the former Soviet Union nuclear test site Semipalatinsk.
Exercise ends without evidence of nuclear explosion
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First phase ended with need for continued inspection
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Visual observation was performed during the entire exercise.
More intrusive techniques during second inspection period
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The ground penetrating radar is prepared for use during the second inspection period.
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Hand-held magnetometers are used during the second inspection period.
Different techniques to examine shallow and deep layers of the ground
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Magnetic field measurements for most of the inspection area are obtained with a so-called mag bird tied to a helicopter.
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An inspector positions electrodes for shallow electrical conductivity measurements.
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Inspectors identified evidence of older nuclear explosions
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For measurements in greater depths, inspectors induce an artificial magnetic field.
Continued use of first period techniques
First ever Argon sampling
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Air sampling for the detection of the noble gas Argon was performed for the first time.
Preliminary report concludes exercise activities
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The hand-over of the preliminary findings marked the end of the inspection simulation.
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Game over
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All exercise participants helped in taking down the camp.
Taking stock
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The IFE08 inspection team.