Fake quake drawing ire
by JERUSALEM (JPS) -- A simulated earthquake was created this week at the Dead Sea with a series of explosions using a total of 500, The first explosion occurred Monday. The experiment, using smaller amounts of TNT gradually, was meant to produce an artificial
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National Infrastructure Minister Eli Suissa rejected calls for its cancellation from the Environment Ministry.
"The reason why we do it in the Dead Sea is because we cause no environmental damage in the sea," he said. "There are no fish in the sea."
The experiment was coordinated with the military authorities and officials in Jordan, he added.
Environment Ministry Director-General Ronni Komer claimed the experiment was not approved by all relevant authorities. He is concerned the blast will release radon gas from underground or harm wildlife.
Environmentalists said they hope extensive research preceded the testing to assess the impact on wildlife in the area.
"It is a very sensitive area for earthquakes and the environment," said Ofer Ben-Dov of Greenpeace. "They should wait and check possible outcomes of such explosions."
Similar experiments were carried out in the region in 1977.
"I don't think these things need to be made public," Suissa told Army Radio. "As soon as they are made public they appear more scary."
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