ON ARTIFICIAL GEOMAGNETIC AND IONOSPHERIC STORMS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH- ALTITUDE EXPLOSIONS

Journal Article · Tue Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1959 · J. Geophys. Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JZ064i009p01149· OSTI ID:4234966

Matsushita, S

Geophysical effects of nuclear explosions at Johnston Island on August 1 and 12, 1958, were studied by means of IGY geomagnetic and ionospheric data collected at various stations in the Pacific area and the American continent. The explosion heights are estimated at 70 to 80 km and about 40 km, respectively. Immediately after each explosion, three phenomena occurred. Strong counterclockwise circular electric currents were formed in the vicinity of Johnston Island at 80- to 100km height. They caused the immediate occurrence of artificial magnetic storms in the central Pacific. Highenergy particles moving along the magnetic lines of force caused auroras seen from Apia, and also caused the main parts of the magnetic storms observed at Apia. X-rays due to the explosion caused the increase of the D-region absorption observed at Maui. Irregularities of the electron density in the F-layer at Maui and the maximum geomagnetic change at Honolulu were caused by a shock wave from the explosion. The degree of ionization in a wide area in the central Pacific increased to about 10 times normal within 35 min after the first explosion and within about 6 hr after the second. Then a strong radio absorption continued for many hours. (auth) 2l824 Details of hearings by the Subcommittee on Legislation concerning atomic energy patents are presented. Testimony' by Atomic Energy Commission personnel is given as well as that given by Dept. of Commerce personnel and other witnesses. Additional material supplied for the record is included. (J.R.D.)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Colorado, Climax
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-13-021823
• OSTI ID: 4234966
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Research, Journal Name: J. Geophys. Research Vol. Vol: 64
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
AURORAE
CHARGED PARTICLES
CURRENTS
DISTURBANCES
EARTH
ELECTRONS
ENERGY RANGE
GENERAL
IONIZATION
IONOSPHERE
ISLANDS
LEVELS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MEASURED VALUES
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
PACIFIC OCEAN
RADIO WAVES
SHOCK WAVES
SPACE
TURBULENCE
X RADIATION