AS057-Borovoye Seismic Station Upgrade

During the period of October 13 – 22, 2025, the final phase of work to restore and modernize the International Monitoring System (IMS) seismic station AS057 Borovoye has been successfully completed with the participation of specialists from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the specialists of National Nuclear Center of RK.  

Certified back in 2002, AS057 is one of only five IMS stations functioning within Kazakhstan. This sophisticated facility features a ten-element seismic array that currently designated as one of fifteen auxiliary stations temporarily standing in for primary IMS sites, AS057 shows high performance and has distinguished itself by consistently ranking among the best in the auxiliary network for the number of associated phases detected and published in the Reviewed Event Bulletin (REB).  

After more than two decades of operation, the equipment and infrastructure of station had significantly deteriorated, necessitating a comprehensive modernization. Between 2023 and 2025, a large-scale upgrade was carried out, funded by voluntary contributions from Kazakhstan, Germany, and the CTBTO. The modernization involved the fabrication and installation of new aboveground instrument modules, which resolved the issue of flooded underground vaults. It also included the replacement of outdated equipment with state-of-the-art recording systems from Nanometrics (Canada), including digitizers and a three-component seismometer, alongside an upgrade of the data acquisition and transmission system and the installation of new workstations at the central processing facility.  

The project implementation stands as a clear example of effective international cooperation to advance seismic monitoring and strengthen the global verification system of Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. 

Joint efforts of CTBTO specialists, NNC RK and German partners demonstrate the commitment of Kazakhstan and the International community to building up peace and security, and to developing scientific and technical potential within the framework of global monitoring.