Climatology of Airblast Propagations from Nevada Test Site Nuclear Airbursts
Abstract
Microbarograph data from Nevada atmospheric nuclear tests of 1951-1962 have been assembled to show climatological patterns for long range propagations. Amplitudes have been normalized to 1-kiloton yield, free-airburst, after actual height-of-burst effects were removed. On-site propagations under early morning inversions often showed double the amplitudes expected for standard hemispherical wave expansion. These enhanced blasts were blocked by mountains and did not penetrate off-site. Strong winds at higher altitudes gave as much as 5X blast magnifications at Indian Springs and Las Vegas. Ducting at very high altitude, to 30 miles or 150000 feet, is seasonally directed eastward in winter, westward in summer. Resulting amplitudes in the sound ring near 135 miles range show as large as 3X magnification downwind and 0.006X reduction upwind. On the average the annual cycling in east and west directions ranges from near standard, 1x, downwind amplitudes to 0.016X upwind amplitudes. The seasonal reversal periods when upper winds are nearly calm, occur about May 5 and September 20. At that time amplitudes in all directions shown an average 0.28X reduction below standard.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- ADA383346
Entities
People
- Jack W. Reed