to 50 kiloton range.
The relative ease and quantity of diagnostic measurement in
tunnel configuration with numerous side drifts and wider geometries is noted as
compared to the significant problems with a vertical hole being limited by small
cross sectional area and difficulties of working in such a geometry.
Foster states,
"Presently, drill hole diagnostic are limited to alpha measurements, high explosive
transit
EXANSERIinNk time and hot spot measurements.
also available."
°
Prompt and post shot radio chemistry are
It is quite significant to me that in this entire message, there
is no mention of containment problems and the resultant contamination.
As for the
use of the outerspace tnvironment, the main advantage here would be that this
is the
most reasonably area for testing devices with yields in the megaton range.
except for those particular devices,
However,
it is felt that the demonstrated capability
underground and the more reasonable cost of such tests make that a more attractiv
e
area for non atmospheric testing in the yield ranges below megaton.
On 2 ov? Ioman replys to Betts 27 Oct. list of questions.
mereegy
As to test
NG
which can be more advantageous conducted underground, it is conceivable that
certain effects experiments which require shielding and/or collimation might be
done cheaper and easier underground, and that that environment is also preferable
for safety shots to prevent high local contamination.
As to developmental type
of tests, LASL is not aware of any that would be preferable underground.
As to
starting and again stopping testing in the atmosphere, Froman states, "We have been
badly slowed down at the present time because tangible preparations for the
resumption of testing were not permitted during the moratorium.
this mistake twice.
Let us not make
Although it is hard to understand why we should willingly
agree to stopping air testing once starting and returning underground, nevertheless
we would urge that a stockpile of holes be accumulated just in case."
He gives a
rough estimate of the number of holes requested (up to 4 for megaton yields) and
notes that LASL still prefers holes to tunnels in spite of current casing difficulties.