A Study of Extremely Low Frequency Waves and Propagating Ionospheric Distrubances in Detecting Atmospheric Nuclear Explosions
Abstract
The report establishes a suitable Green's function model to explain the generation of long period, large amplitude gravity modes by thermonuclear and nuclear tests in the atmosphere. Thus, it is shown in a paper in press by Tolstoy and Lau, that the important mechanism here must be the rising shere of hot gas. It is not difficult to demonstrate that - for large yields, at least - this mechanism should be orders of magnitude more efficient in generating long period internal gravity wave modes efficient in generating long period internal gravity wave modes than the explosion phase proper. It is the belief now that this is the source of observed long wavelength gravity waves; although we have, in the attached report, merely illustrated the principle of the mechanism, without extending the results to a realistic model of the atmosphere, there appears to be little doubt that one may in this manner account for the large amplitudes of vertical motion observed for such disturbances traveling in the ionosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0716601
Entities
People
- I. Tolstoy
Organizations
- Florida State University