CTBT IMS - International Cooperation at its finest

The International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is one of the most ambitious global projects ever undertaken by more than 183 states. It’s establishment exemplifies international cooperation through the huge undertaking, coordination and massive investment by all Member States. The IMS monitors the whole earth, atmosphere and undersea for any potential nuclear test but this extraordinary network can also detect and record traces of natural and anthrogenic disasters that are ever present.

The IMS network sets a precedent for reliability, quality and requirements on a global scale. The network is comprised of 4 technologies (seismic, infrasound, hydroacoustic and radionuclide) that monitor the earth’s environments to an incredibly low level and hence is an invaluable resource for monitoring and understanding natural hazards.To date, for example, the CTBTO has signed 14 agreements with tsunami warning organizations for the usage of CTBT data to assist with the timeliness and accuracy of tsunami warnings.

The effectiveness of plans to deal with natural disasters depends on a country’s level of resources and readiness. Member States can rely and call upon the CTBTO and the IMS network to assist them at a time of crisis. The IMS is truly a global network that has no borders.