Minor scale weather-watch and microbarograph project experiments 8620, 9415, 9416
Predictions and measurements of distant airblast propagations were made to identify, control, and document the environmental impact from this large explosion. Special meteorological observations were made to support this as well as other experiments. Rawinsonde balloon upper-air observations were made to about 30 km altitude. Pilot balloons were tracked by optical theodolite to give frequent wind observations to about 3 km above ground. A Tethersonde balloon was operated to give details on atmospheric structure below about 3 km. Rocketsondes were launched to measure temperature and wind conditions at 35- to 65-km heights, for explaining long range airblast propagations that focus near 200 km distance. A meteorological towere was set up at the Admin Park to give continuous records of wind and temperature at three levels to 23 m height. An anemometer was installed near Ground Zero for reference during wind-sensitive helium bag operations. A weather advisory service was established, using WSMR observations as well as national weather data collections, and communicating through a computer terminal at the Stallion Radiosonde Station. Microbarograph (MB) airblast pressure recorders were operated at thirteen locations, from 3 km to 225 km from GZ. During the 10 days preceding MINOR SCALE, 31 ANFO charges, of 250 lb or 2500 lb yields, were fired to document the long range airblast propagation with MB recordings and upper air weather observations.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5722548
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-86-0428C; CONF-860285-1; ON: DE86009641
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Misty picture weather-watch and microbarograph project: Experiments 9412-14-18
Damaging distant airblast from minor scale. [Variation with height under certain conditions]
Related Subjects
450100 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Chemical Explosions & Explosives
500100* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
EXPLOSIONS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
WEATHER
WIND