Effects of nuclear and conventional chemical explosions on vegetation

Abstract

The uptake of radionuclides and their effects on plant growth at the Nevada Test Site were studied. In addition to studies at the Nevada Test Site, observations were made of nuclear explosions in northern Nevada, in Mississippi, and of large dynamite explosions at depth. The purpose of this report is to present a pictorial record of the observed effects on plants made from 1962 to 1970 above and around contained underground nuclear and chemical explosions, atmospheric nuclear explosions, cratering nuclear explosions, and partially contained nuclear explosions. Two basic studies are described. First, the physical and radiation effects of contained and released nuclear explosions were studied. Second, the purely physical effects of geophysical explosions of 245-4545 kg of dynamite exploded at depths of 14 to 150 m in various locations in Arizona were studied over a period of 4 years. The second study provides a background against which the effects of nuclear explosions in Nevada and Mississippi can be evaluated. 57 references, 71 figures.