PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY OF THE TEST AREA,
Abstract
The objectives of the project were (1) the selection, with Project 2.5, of a test site, (2) to provide information for prediction of phenomenology, and (3) to document the test with environmental information. Research cruises made to the general region during 1954 broadened available oceanographic knowledge about the area and enabled a tentative site selection and speculation on phenomenology. Final recommendations were based on oceanographic data collected in April 1955 and from 5 to 13 May 1955, just prior to the test. Results include: (1) contaminated waters moved westward from the test site at an average speed of about 0.1 knot (away from shore and fishing grounds), (2) dispersion of radioactivity at a given level was relatively slow during the first 10 days, but vertical current shear augmented its spreading, (3) depth of radioactivity measured at various times after the event appears intimately associated with stability or vertical density gradient in the water, and (4) at H = 0 the array and most ships of the Task Group were over relatively flat sea bottom, but a ridge 0.75 mile high existed about 5 miles south of Ground Zero. The low current speeds and movement of water away from land and ocean fishing grounds at the test area were desirable conditions, and, from an oceanographic viewpoint, the area can be recommended for future tests of similar magnitude. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1956
- Accession Number
- AD0611252
Entities
People
- Paul L. Horrer
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography