INTERMEDIATE RANGE EARTH MOTION MEASUREMENTS

Technical Report · Mon Feb 19 04:00:00 EST 1962

OSTI ID:4809670

A total of 31 gage channels was installed for ground motion measurements on the Gnome shot (predicted yield of 5 kt) conducted at a depth of 366 meters in salt beds near Carlsbad, New Mexico. Acceleration measurements were made at the surface and at shot depth at four ranges from 800 to 9500 meters. Surface measurements of particle velocity were made at 402 and 805 meters using threecomponent velocity gages, and at flve more distant stations (8380 to 9357 meters) using seismometers. Pressure measurements were made in the fluid and four annuli of the well known as the Shell James Hanch No. 1 well which was about 9.5 km from ground zero. In general the accelerations and peak particle velocities observed were similar to those predicted; and the usual effect of the free surface in increasing particle motions was observed in general, although not universally. Spalling of the surface formation was noted out to 805 meters. It is estimated that the observed radial particle velocity at the Shell well corresponded to a peak over-stress of about 14 psi in the formation. Effects of the explosion were insufficient to cause damage at this 9.5-km distance, and it is concluded that there were no damaging effects at greater ranges. (auth)

• Research Organization: Stanford Research Inst., Menlo Park, Calif.
• NSA Number: NSA-16-010275
• OSTI ID: 4809670
• Report Number(s): PNE-111P
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

DEFORMATION
DEPOSITS
DISTRIBUTION
GAGES
GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY, AND METEOROLOGY
LEVELS
MEASURED VALUES
MOTION
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
PARTICLES
PRESSURE
PROJECT GNOME
ROCKS
SEISMOLOGY
STRESSES
SURFACES
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS
VELOCITY
WELL LOGGING