Moruroa

Moruroa is an atoll in French Polynesia that France used for atmospheric and underground nuclear weapons tests from 1966 to 1996.

French nuclear tests in the Pacific: A French program of nuclear weapons tests conducted in French Polynesia from 1966 to 1996. Moruroa was the principal site for tests in this Pacific program.
Nuclear fallout: Radioactive particles deposited from the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion. Atmospheric tests at Moruroa dispersed radioactive material across the Pacific.
French nuclear deterrence: France's strategy of maintaining nuclear forces to deter threats and preserve strategic independence. The tests at Moruroa helped develop the arsenal underpinning this strategy.
Atmospheric nuclear testing: Nuclear weapons testing in which a device detonates in the atmosphere or above the ground. France conducted atmospheric tests at Moruroa before moving to underground testing.
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: A 1996 treaty that prohibits all nuclear explosions, though it has not entered into force. France ended testing at Moruroa in the year the treaty opened for signature.
Aldebaran (nuclear test): France's first atmospheric nuclear test in French Polynesia, detonated at Moruroa in 1966. Aldebaran began the atoll's role as a French test site.
Radioactive contamination: The presence of radioactive substances in places or materials where they can pose risks. Residual radioactivity around the test site is central to environmental monitoring and debate.
French nuclear force: France's nuclear weapons capability, including its weapons, delivery systems, and supporting institutions. Moruroa testing provided data for the development of French nuclear weapons.
Underground nuclear testing: Nuclear weapons testing in which a device detonates beneath the surface to limit radioactive release. Underground detonations replaced atmospheric tests at Moruroa from 1975.
Partial Test Ban Treaty: A 1963 treaty banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater. Its restrictions did not prohibit the atmospheric Pacific tests France continued at Moruroa.

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TuamotusRelated: Its tests connect the wider French Polynesian archipelagos to Tuamotu nuclear-test history.