SURFACE MOTIONS FROM UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS. Final Report
Ground effects resulting from certain HARDTACK II underground explosions were measured by strong-motion and teleseismic seismographs from 2000 feet to distances of nearly 100 miles. In addition, many temporary seismographs were operated by a number of organizations to distances of nearly 2400 miles, and routine seismographs continued to operate on a world wide basis. Some of the results are given. For safety purposes, predictions of ground effects, using formulas derived by the Coast and Geodetic Survey from pre-Rainier H.E, tests and modified slightly as a result of the Rainier tests, hold with reasonable accuracy. However, slightly revised formulas are believed to be more applicable to all ground displacements in the distance ranges covered in this report. An energetic wave believed reflected from the surface near the source was recorded by some of the strong-motion seismographs. It is out of phase with the initial wave and follows it by about a quarter second. From the ground effects standpoint, the Blanca shot was equivalent to a magnitude 4.8 earthquake, and seismic energy contained in a wave 0.8 km from the source is believed to contain about 0.4% of the yield energy. The Logan and Rainier shots were respectively equivalent to magnitude 4.5 and 4.1 earthquakes and corresponding seismic energies contained respectively 0.5 and 0.3% of the yield energy. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(29-2)-746
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-023168
- OSTI ID:
- 4042528
- Report Number(s):
- WT-1741
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Appendix A: RESPONSE SPECTRUM ANALYSIS OF RECORDS FROM EVENTS BLANCA AND LOGAN. William K. Cloud (Coast and Geodetic Survey, Washington, D.C.); Project 26.4 of Operation HARDTACK, Phase II. Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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