State media announced the test after monitors detected a 5.1 magnitude quake close to the Punggye-ri site.
The North is thought to have conducted three previous underground nuclear tests there since 2006.
A hydrogen bomb uses fusion to create a blast far more powerful than that of a more basic atomic bomb.
This test was apparently a hydrogen bomb, a step up in destructive power from the plutonium used in previous tests. It gives more explosive power for a lighter weight.
After the test in 2013, there was widespread condemnation. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting at which its members, including China, "strongly condemned" the test. Similar outrage is expected this time. Prime Minister Abe of Japan has said this fourth test was a "serious threat to the safety of his nation".
On top of any fourth nuclear test, North Korea also appears to have tested a submarine-launched missile. The ability to launch missiles from submarines would change the whole calculation of military response because warning times of an attack on, for example, the West Coast of the United States would be much shorter.
Before the test, North Korean state media said the country "deserved to hold nuclear weapons... to counter nuclear threats by the US".
Experts believed before the fourth test that North Korea was still some years from being able to hit a target with a nuclear bomb delivered by a missile. But it is crystal clear that it is absolutely determined to be able to do so. It is also clear that it is improving its abilities rapidly...
BBC
6/1/16
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- Magnitude mb 5.2
Date time 2016-01-06 01:30:01.1 UTC
Location 41.32 N ; 129.10 E
Depth 2 km
Distances
- 350 km SE of Jilin, China / pop: 1,881,977 / local time: 09:30:01.1 2016-01-06
- 77 km SW of Ch’ŏngjin, North Korea / pop: 327,000 / local time: 10:30:01.1 2016-01-06
- 27 km E of Sŭngjibaegam, North Korea / pop: 11,786 / local time: 10:30:01.1 2016-01-06
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N. Korea says conducted 'successful' hydrogen bomb test...
ReplyDelete5.1 magnitude quake detected close to North Korea nuclear test site likely stems from underground explosion
North Korea said Wednesday it had carried out a "successful" hydrogen bomb test, a claim that -- if true -- massively raises the stakes over the hermit state's banned nuclear program.
International condemnation was swift with neighbours South Korea and Japan decrying a gross violation of UN Security Council resolutions, while the White House said it was still studying the precise nature of the apparent test and vowed to "respond appropriately".
"The republic's first hydrogen bomb test has been successfully performed at 10:00 am (0330 GMT)," North Korean state television announced.
"With the perfect success of our historic H-bomb, we have joined the rank of advanced nuclear states," it said, adding that the test was of a miniaturised device............http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/asia-pacific/98099-160106-5-1-magnitude-quake-detected-close-to-north-korea-nuclear-test-site
S. Korea's Park says N. Korea's atomic test 'grave provocation'...
ReplyDeleteNorth Korea said on Wednesday it would continue to strengthen its nuclear programme in order to protect itself against the hostile policies of the United States...
ReplyDeleteIn a statement after conducting its fourth nuclear test, North Korea's state news agency said it will not give up its nuclear programme as long as the United States maintained what it called "its stance of aggression".
North Korea also said it will act as a responsible nuclear state and vowed not to use its nuclear weapons unless its sovereignty was infringed. It also said it will not transfer its nuclear capabilities to other parties.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
5.1-magnitude quake hits 19km ENE of Sungjibaegam, DPRK -- USGS ...
ReplyDeleteAn earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale jolted 19km ENE of Sungjibaegam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea at 01:30:02 GMT Wednesday (09:30:02 Beijing Time), the US Geological Survey said.
The epicenter, with a depth of 10.0 km, was initially determined to be at 41.3263 degrees north latitude and 129.0103 degrees east longitude.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/962091.shtml