Upper atmospheric disturbances due to high altitude nuclear explosions

Abstract

A review is given of the geophysical effects due to high altitude nuclear explosions. The sources of information are mainly from the high altitude detonations on August–September 1958 in the Pacific and in the South Atlantic. The nuclear tests at Novaya Zemlya, during October 1961, are also included. Various upper atmospheric phenomena, such as ionospheric and geomagnetic storms, airglows, trapped particles and blast waves are identified as a consequence of nuclear explosions. An explanation of disturbance effects and the significance of controlled experiment in the upper atmosphere are discussed.