20 © The Containment of Underground Nuclear Explosions Photo credit Cavc - ener ane Huron King Test have been 31 tunneltests conducted in Rainier and Aqueduct Mesas (figure 2-4). It may require 12 monthsof mining, using three shifts a day, to remove the | million cubic feet of rock that may be needed to prepare for a tunneltest. effects tests were the first type of expererts performed during trials in the Pacific and were in extensive part of the testing program inthe !¥Stw Xt that time, many tests occurred above ground and included the study of effects on structures anc... defense systems. Effects tests performed within mined tunnels are designed to determinethe effects of nuclear explosionproducedradiation on missile nose cones, warheads, satellites, communications equipment, and other military hardware. The tunnels are large enough so that satellites can be tested at full scale in vacuum chambers that simulate outer space. The tests are used to determine how weapons systems will withstand radiation that might be produced by a nearby explosion during a nuclear war. Nuclear Effects tests within cavities provide a ineany 3! simulating surface explosions underground A ure hemispherical cavity is excavated and an explosion is detonated on or near the floor of the cavity The tests are designed to assess the capability of above ground explosions to transmit energy into ‘re ground. This information is used to evaluate ‘ne capability of nuclear weaponsto destroy such turzet. as missile silos or underground command centers