History
The Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963 banned atmospheric nuclear testing. This led to a requirement for an underground test area that could accommodate higher yield tests than Yucca Flat.
Pahute Mesa was seen as ideal due to its geology and distance of over 160 kilometres (99 mi) from Las Vegas. Holes can be drilled to a depth of more than 1,370 metres (4,490 ft). This allows tests in the megaton range to be fully contained with minimal ground motion being felt in Las Vegas.
Pahute Mesa was thus incorporated into the boundary of the NNSS in late 1963 under an agreement between the United States Atomic Energy Commission and the U.S. Air Force.
Read more about this topic: Pahute Mesa
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