GEOPHYSICAL EFFECTS OF HIGH ALTITUDE NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS

In 1962, both the Russians and the Americans conducted a series of high altitude nuclear explosions which and widespread geophysical effects. A study of these effects is useful to the geophysicist if it will shed light on the mechanisms responsible for similar geophysical phenomena which are noted in association with normally occurring disturbances. This paper presents a review of the effects of nuclear testing, with special emphasis on the trapped radiation, the ionosphere, and magnetic disturbances. An interpretation of these different phenomena is made. (Author)
Prepared for presentation at the Regional IQSY Meeting, Buenos Aires, 3-8 Aug 64. Also available from the authors.