Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence

On an exceptionally wet evening we had a most enlightening address from Martin Lawrence who, given his research knowledge on ocean acoustics, was asked in 1994 by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to assist with a technical matter related to the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Travel to Geneva was mooted – an opportunity that he ‘jumped at’ and which led in a few months to him being made chairman of the group of experts working out what was needed to monitor the oceans. Subsequently, when Vienna was chosen as headquarters for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation he was offered the job of managing the ocean part of the monitoring network.

Martin described the monitoring methods, and the other uses of monitoring such as tsunami warning. He gave us insights into the negotiations behind the treaty – which countries were involved, and which are signatories.

Many questions were provoked by this interesting and informative talk, ranging from data retention to isolating the source of signals; Martin could have been kept on his feet answering questions well beyond closing time.

Our thanks go to Yuga Café for hosting this event.