Usage of Nuclear Weapons

Usage Of Nuclear Weapons In The Oceans

Introduction

The main usage of nuclear weapons is in warfare. Nuclear warfare, also known as atomic warfare, is a theoretical military conflict or prepared political strategy that deploys nuclear weaponry.

Effects

Nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction; in contrast to conventional warfare, nuclear warfare can produce destruction in a much shorter time and can have long-lasting radiological results. A major nuclear exchange would likely have long-term effects, primarily from the fallout released. It can also lead to secondary effects, such as "nuclear winter", nuclear famine, and societal collapse. A global thermonuclear war with Cold War-era stockpiles, or even with the current smaller stockpiles, may lead to various scenarios including the extinction of the human race. Recent ocean acidification, caused by CO2 dissolving into its waters, has drawn concern for marine animals because more acidic water better dissolves their calcium shells.

 Examples 

1.                    The Baker Nuclear Test - The Baker nuclear test at Bikini Atoll in July 1946 was a shallow underwater explosion, part of Operation Crossroads. A 20-kiloton warhead was detonated in a lagoon that was approximately 200 ft (61 m) deep. The first effect was the illumination of the sea from the underwater fireball. A rapidly expanding gas bubble created a shock wave that caused an expanding ring of apparently dark water at the surface, called the slick, followed by an expanding ring of apparently white water, called the crack. A mound of water and spray called the spray dome, formed at the water's surface which became more columnar as it rose. When the rising gas bubble broke the surface, it created a shock wave in the air as well.

2.               The Wahoo Test - An example of a deep underwater explosion is the Wahoo test, which was carried out in 1958 as part of Operation Hardtack. A 9 kt Mk-7 was detonated at a depth of 500 ft (150 m) in deep water. There was little evidence of a fireball. The spray dome rose to a height of 900 ft (270 m). Gas from the bubble broke through the spray dome to form jets which shot out in all directions and reached heights of up to 1,700 ft (520 m). The base surge at its maximum size was 2.5 mi (4.0 km) in diameter and 1,000 ft (300 m) high.

3.               Operation Dominic - Operation Dominic was a series of 31 nuclear test explosions with a 38.1Mt (159 PJ) total yield conducted in 1962 by the United States in the Pacific. This test series was scheduled quickly, in order to respond in kind to the Soviet resumption of testing after the tacit 1958-1961 test moratorium. Most of these shots were conducted with free-fall bombs dropped from B-52 bomber aircraft. Twenty of these shots were to test new weapons designs; six were to test weapons effects; and several shots were to confirm the reliability of existing weapons. The Thor missile was also used to lift warheads into near-space to conduct high-altitude nuclear explosion tests; these shots were collectively called Operation Fishbowl.

~ Harshil Kapoor (SMSMB)

Nuclear weapons can have a significant impact on the ocean, both directly and indirectly. Here are some of the ways nuclear weapons affect the ocean:

1. Direct impacts from testing: Nuclear weapons testing conducted in the ocean can cause significant harm to marine life and ecosystems. The detonation of a nuclear weapon can create a massive shock wave that can injure or kill marine animals. The resulting radioactive fallout can also pollute the ocean and the food chain.

2. Indirect impacts from radiation: The radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing can also have long-term effects on marine life and ecosystems. Radioactive isotopes can accumulate in the bodies of marine animals, which can lead to genetic mutations and other health problems.

3. Effects on ocean currents: Nuclear weapons testing can also disrupt ocean currents, which can have significant impacts on global weather patterns and marine ecosystems.

4. Increased risk of nuclear accidents: The deployment of nuclear weapons on submarines and ships can increase the risk of nuclear accidents in the ocean. In the event of a nuclear accident, radioactive materials could be released into the ocean, causing significant harm to marine life and ecosystems.

Overall, the use and testing of nuclear weapons have significant negative impacts on the ocean and the ecosystems that rely on it. It is important to work towards nuclear disarmament and reducing the risk of nuclear accidents to protect our oceans and the life in them.

~Eric, Haidong, Taiwan