|
It is important to
point out that nuclear bombs can be set to explode either in the air
or on the ground.
Each type of explosion has different characteristics, which are
explained below.
If a nuclear device is
primed for "Air Burst" it will detonate whilst still falling towards
the ground. The effect of this will be a more widespread EMP, but
less radioactive fall out, as little dust or debris is sucked into
the void left by the mushroom cloud. An airburst causes a wider area
to be destroyed by the initial blast and shock-wave.
This table shows the
damage caused by the air burst of a 1 mega-ton thermonuclear device.
|
Distance from ground zero |
Effects on population |
Effects on structures |
Wind speed |
| 2 miles |
All killed |
All buildings destroyed |
470 mph |
| 3 miles |
Most dying from burns |
All houses destroyed |
290 mph |
| 4 miles |
Many dying from radiation |
Most buildings damaged |
160 mph |
| 5 miles |
Severe burns & blinding |
Trees blown down |
95 mph |
| 8 miles |
Many burns victims |
Light damage |
35mph |
If a nuclear device is
primed for "Ground Burst" it will detonate when it hits, or is very
close to the ground. The effect of this will be a smaller EMP, but
more radioactive fall out, as much dust and debris is sucked into
the void left by the mushroom cloud. A ground burst explosion causes
a less widespread damage.
This table shows the
 effects
of a 1 Megaton ground blast.
|
Distance from ground zero |
Effects on population |
Effects on structures |
Wind speed |
| 1 - 1.5 miles |
All killed |
All buildings
destroyed |
400 mph |
| 2 - 3 miles |
Most dying from
flying debris |
All houses
destroyed |
250 mph |
| 4 miles |
Many dying from
burns |
Many buildings
damaged |
140 mph |
| 5 miles |
Severe burns &
blinding |
Trees blown down |
75 mph |
| 8 miles |
Many radiation
victims |
Light damage |
25mph |
| 1
kiloton thermonuclear device |
Air
Burst |
Ground Burst |
| Approximate number of
deaths |
95,000 |
44,000 |
| Area of near total
destruction |
22.72 miles |
10.52 miles |
     
     
     
   
     
     
|
