The electromagnetic pulse from nuclear detonations

Abstract

Models of the processes whereby a nuclear detonation emits a coherent electromagnetic pulse fall into three classes: those involving Compton electron currents produced by interaction of prompt γ radiation from the detonation with the environment, those involving photoelectron currents produced by the similar interaction of primary X radiation from the detonation, and those involving perturbation of the ambient magnetic field by the expanding plasma surrounding the detonation point. For each model considered the cause of the asymmetry in the current system necessary for the radiation of a signal is discussed. These causes include the earth‐atmosphere interface, the atmospheric density gradient, anisotropy of the environment by virtue of the presence of the earth's magnetic field, nonuniform emission of the energetic radiation (γ and X rays) by the detonation, and asymmetries of the delivery vehicle and device case. The available experimental data are then examined in the light of the models. These data suffice to establish the models as probably being correct in their identification of the principal processes whereby the nuclear electromagnetic pulse is generated, but they are inadequate for a quantitative assessment of the accuracy of the models.

Review of electromagnetic coupling between the Earth's atmosphere and the space environment

“…Thus, the electromagnetic coupling of the upper atmosphere and near space during nuclear explosion in the atmosphere involves acoustic and electromagnetic waves, perturbations of the ionospheric and geomagnetic field, artificial radiation belts, air-glow process etc. (Tolstoy and Herron, 1970;Price, 1974;Blanc, 1985;Longmire, 1995).…”

Physical mechanisms of man-made influences on the magnetosphere

“…First, the geophysical effects observed during nuclear explosions in the upper atmosphere (acoustic and electromagnetic waves, perturbations of the ionosphere and the geomagnetic field, artificial radiation belts, airglows) will not be discussed because they were fortunately stopped since 1980. Details and references can be found in Bowman (1962), Tolstoy and Herron (1970), Price (1974), Blanc (1985), and Longmire (1995). However the effects of underground nuclear explosions are considered in the Section 2 concerning the acoustic-gravity waves.…”

Anomalous Sounds from the Entry of Meteor Fireballs

“…For nuclear radio pulses three primary mechanisms have been recognized by Price (36), who comments, "A great deal of work on the generation of electromagnetic pulse by nuclear detonations, including the initial formulation of most of the generation mechanisms, remains available only in classified reports." Of the available unclassified material, Kompaneets (37) and…”