A new study conducted by South Korean and Chinese scientists has revealed that seismic activity at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site has been continuously increasing since North Korea’s last and most powerful nuclear test in 2017.
“Elchi” reports that, according to the study published in the journal Science, 1,399 earthquakes were recorded in the Mount Mantap area between 2008 and 2025. Researchers believe that the nuclear explosions may have reactivated ancient tectonic faults in the region.
The frequency and magnitude of earthquakes have increased over time
Between 2006 and 2017, six underground nuclear tests were conducted at the Punggye-ri site. The final 160-kiloton explosion in 2017 caused a 6.3 magnitude earthquake and the collapse of the tunnel.
Although seismic activity usually subsides quickly after similar nuclear tests in the past, scientists have been surprised by the increase in the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes around Mount Mantap over the years. Until 2013, almost no earthquakes had been recorded in the region.
Ancient tectonic faults have been reactivated
A team led by Professor Kwang-Hee Kim from Pusan National University in South Korea determined that the explosions triggered dormant tectonic faults in the Earth’s crust.
It is also assumed that the steep and irregular structure of the mountain may have accelerated this process.
Experts note that underground explosions can cause cracks in the rocks, and water seeping into these cracks can increase pressure over time, triggering earthquakes.
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