this weather must be susceptible to accurate forecasting several days
in advance.
The localities affording the type of weather which meets
these specifications should be examined and evaluated as atomic prov—ing grounds in the light of other requirements.
Real estate of a satisfactory type and in ample amounts is a
material requisite in any site under consideration.
The number of
personnel involved in the experiments, the vast quantities of equip-
ment employed, the space necessary for the location of scientific
measuring devices, and the relatively large "safety zone" required - all of these factors influence the size of the area which must be
available.
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One or more air strips capable of accommodating numerous
heavy aircraft must be provided and supported by reasonably complete
base facilities.
It is desirable, of course, that the land on which
the site is located be of little value for other purposes.
There is
reason to believe that each succeeding test may surpass those of the
past in magnitude; consequently, the search fora suitable area should
be conducted with consideration given to the need for future expansion.
Finally, the selection of a site should be influenced by the
question of logistics.
Even in the most ideal circumstances, logistic
support required for atomic proof-testing assumes huge proportions.
When such testing occurs in an area which can be supplied only by
water and air transportation, the problem is magnified greatly by
the number of personnel involved in support of the transportation
effort itself.
Section VIII