A comparative study of ground-pressure waves in various atmospheric models

Abstract

Dispersion curves and stationary phase contributions to theoretical ground-pressure waves from low-altitude nuclear explosions are presented for model atmospheres containing winds. Comparison is made with previously published results. It is shown that the reflection of waves above an altitude of 120 km can result in certain effects in waves with periods greater than 5 minutes. These effects are readily observable in microbarographic records associated with nuclear explosions. It is shown that winds can have a pronounced effect on wave characteristics at periods between 1 and 10 minutes. It is concluded that the effects of low-atmospheric winds are best observed in the behavior of waves of periods less than 4 minutes. Details are given of the numerical procedures followed in obtaining results.