SECRET
Chapter |

INTRODUCTION
1.1

OBJECTIVES

lelel

Rising ¥2 Layer

The first objective of this experiment was to firmly establish
the cause-and-effect relationships for an ionospheric phenomenon first
observed following Shot Mike of Operation IVY, namely, the large ine —
crease in virtual height of the F2 layer and associated effects.
1.1.2

Distant Effects
Tha second objective was to obtain corroborative data on effects

at a great distance, first observed for Shot Mike of Operation IVY, in
order to determine the vossibility of the use cf such effects as a

. means of long-range detection and to determine whether eny indication |

of the magnitude of the yield could be cbtained at distant locations.

1.1.3

Upper Ionospheric Knowledge

It was also anticipated that detailed study of veth the local
and the distant data would provide a better insight into the mecha~
nisms involved in F2-leyer phenomena, thus furthering the state of
knowledge of the upper ionosphere.
wiole4 Effects of Blast Wave on Lower Ionosvhere
This experiment also furnished the opportunity to continue to

investigate the effects of the blast wave on the ionedensity distribution in the E and Fl layers of the ‘onosphere and to study the ab-

sorptive effects occurring below the E region.

1.2 BACKGROUND
1.201

Rising F2 Layer

Following Shot Mike of Operation IVY, the F2 layer was observed
to rise to abnormal heights, and its ion density, measured by critical

SECRET

RESTRICTED. DATA

Select target paragraph3