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Accession Number:
AD0363391
Title:
EFFECTS OF ATOMIC EXPLOSIONS ON THE IONOSPHERE
Corporate Author:
ARMY ELECTRONICS LABS FORT MONMOUTH NJ
Report Date:
1954-08-01
Abstract:
During Operation Ivy an ionosphere recorder was operated at some distance from the test site. In addition, hf radio transmissions with paths nearly over the blast area were monitored. A new phenomenon was observed in connection with the larger shot. It consisted of a sustained rise in the virtual height of the F2 layer, lasting more than 3 hr, and a simultaneous depression from normal values of the F2 critical frequency. These effects, although only relatively local in extent, are likened to those normally observed over large portions of the earth during magnetic storms. A possible physical explanation is propounded, based upon the hypothesis that much of the vertically propagated infrasonic energy produced by an explosion of this size is converted into heat in the lower portion of the F2 region. Other effects on the ionosphere, observed during both shots, were similar to those recorded during earlier operations and corrobrated previous theory attributing them to local changes of ion density caused by the sonic wave acting on the ionized layers. No major disturbance to ionospheric communications was found. However, some attenuation of all radio waves passing through the D and E regions in the vicinity of the blast was observed, lasting only 15 min or thereabouts.
Supplementary Note:
Report on Operation IVY, Project 9.2. Joint Task Force 132.
Pages:
0059
Distribution Statement:
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
File Size:
4.22MB
