EARTH CURRENTS FROM UNDERGROUND NUCLEAR DETONATIONS
Abstract
Experimental facilities were established for the GNOME and HARDHAT tests to measure and record the components of the electromagnetic field generated by underground nuclear detonations. In addition an instrumentation system was established at the GNOME site to investigate the characteristics of the plasma generated by the blast to obtain information concerning the nature and source of the electromagnetic field. Data obtained from the tests shows that the electromagnetic signals generated by low-yield close-coupled underground nuclear explosions are small in magnitude and cannot be detected above background noise at distances greater than a few kilometers from ground zero. Final conclusions concerning the feasibility of electromagnetic detection of decoupled underground nuclear detonations can be made only after the electromagnetic signals from such explosions have actually been measured.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 04, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0615202