- Author
-
Fons, W. L.
|
Byram, G. M.
|
Hayes, G. L.
|
Buck, C. C.
- Title
- Preliminary Study of the Consequences of an Atomic Explosion Over a Forest. Technical Memorandum.
- Coporate
- Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
- Sponsor
- Johns Hopkins Univ., Washington, DC
- Report
-
ORO-T-108,
December 31, 1950,
136 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
-
forestry
|
forest fires
|
temperature effects
|
fireballs
|
shock waves
|
wind velocity
- Identifiers
- atomic blasts; atomic clouds; pine trees; defolation; Nagasaki; Hiroshima
- Abstract
- The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effects of atomic explosions on forests that would be of importance to offensive and defensive miliatry operations. Since atomic explosions release both blast and thermal energy, the problem separates into two parts: (1) the extent to which forest trees will be defoliated, borken, or blown down by the blast, and (2) the extent to which fires from the explosion may start and spread. Solution of the combined blast and fire problem is needed in a form that will permit determination of the degree to which a given forest subjected to atomic bombing may be a shelter or a hazard for ground personnel and equipment.