Underground nuclear weapons testing

Underground Nuclear Weapons Testing

Underground nuclear weapons testing refers to the detonation of nuclear weapons below the Earth's surface. This method of testing was developed to reduce the release of radioactive material into the atmosphere, which was a significant concern with atmospheric testing. Underground testing became the primary method of nuclear testing after the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963, which prohibited nuclear tests in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater.

History

The first underground nuclear test was conducted by the United States on September 19, 1957, at the Nevada Test Site. This test, known as "Rainier," was part of Operation Plumbbob. The success of this test demonstrated the feasibility of underground testing and led to its adoption as the preferred method for nuclear tests.

During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union conducted numerous underground tests. These tests were used to develop new nuclear weapons and to study the effects of nuclear explosions. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, aims to ban all nuclear explosions, including those conducted underground.

Methods

Underground nuclear tests are typically conducted in deep shafts or tunnels. The depth and geology of the test site are carefully selected to contain the explosion and minimize the release of radioactive material. The test device is lowered into the shaft, which is then backfilled with material to contain the explosion.

The explosion creates a cavity and a "chimney" of fractured rock above it. The size of the cavity and the extent of the chimney depend on the yield of the explosion and the geology of the site. In some cases, the explosion can create a subsidence crater on the surface.

Environmental Impact

While underground testing reduces the release of radioactive material into the atmosphere, it can still have significant environmental impacts. The explosion can fracture rock and create pathways for radioactive gases to escape to the surface. Additionally, the detonation can cause seismic activity and ground subsidence.

The Nevada Test Site, where many underground tests were conducted, is marked by numerous craters and other geological features resulting from these tests. Efforts have been made to monitor and mitigate the environmental impacts of past tests.

Related Pages

• Nuclear weapons testing
• Nevada Test Site
• Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
• Operation Plumbbob

Gallery

• 

  Test preparation at the Nevada Test Site

• "Uncle" nuclear test, 1951

• Operation Teapot

• Plumbbob Rainier test

• Plumbbob Rainier test site

• 

  Diagram of nuclear explosion craters

• Huron King Crater

• Whetstone Sulky test

• Operation Emery - Baneberry test

• Buster-Jangle Uncle test

• 

  NNSA test site

• Storax Sedan nuclear test

• 

  Sedan Plowshare Crater

• Bowline Schooner test

• Craters at the Nevada Test Site

• 

  Underground nuclear weapons testing

• Underground nuclear weapons testing

• Underground nuclear weapons testing

• Underground nuclear weapons testing

• Underground nuclear weapons testing

• 

  Underground nuclear weapons testing

• Underground nuclear weapons testing

• 

  Underground nuclear weapons testing

• 

  Underground nuclear weapons testing

• Underground nuclear weapons testing

• 

  Underground nuclear weapons testing

• 

  Underground nuclear weapons testing