however, if a key experiment vital to the success of the shot will
—
not be successful for any reason. Built-in safeguards automatically
can stop a detonation if certain key experiments are not functioning
at any second up to detonation.
This occurred on a spring 1952 shot. -
.
.
\
- Any shange in the forecast wind direction or velocity could
result in a postponement. The formulae for predicting the intensity
and location of significant fallout, on-site and off-site, must be
matched to the varying weather forecasts throughout the night. The
conservative guide to public radiation exposure -- 3.9 roentgens per
series -- is determining in evaluating off-site fallout forecasts.
If there are any indications that fallout from the present shot will
cause exposure approaching that figure at any inhabited nearby point
or if new fallout plus fallout from a previous shot in the series
would bring the total near that figure, the shot will be postponed.
It may be seen that as a series progresses, the segment of acceptable wind direction for a sensitive shot may grow constantly more
restricted.
Related both to technical and safety considerations are the factors of cloud cover and atmospheric moisture. Clouds can prevent
air operations, includingkey experiments. Any indication of signifi-*”
cant precipitation over the test site or nearby region could result
:
in a postponement. Precipitation at more than 200-300 miles is nota
major factor, because by then radioactivity in the cloud has greatly
decreased.
t
For an air drop, any malfunctioning of the drop aircraft would
of course cause a postponement.
With heavy concentrations ef aircraft above NTS, provision has
necessarily been made for postponement if any craft is dangerously
cut of piace for any reason.
Ail fiights are monitored by radars
stationed within a few feet of the master control room at the Controi Point. Oniy the reaction time of individuals involved
determines the time required t stop a test in such a case.
Foreczsts of the intensity and location of blast waves, based
on weather forecasts, are made with each weather forecast. High exprosive detonations fired shortly before the nuclear shot send out
waves which are recorded on microbarographic equipment in nearby
‘communities. A postponement could result if there was a firm
forecast that high blast levels would be recorded in communities.
ae
Ali individuals must be checked as having cleared the forward
area. If a singie person were unaccounted for, the shot probably
would be delayed.
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18
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Pre-chot consideration is given to the flash effect from the
viewpoint cf issuing the necessary public warnings and taking such
steps as asking state officials to establish roadblocks. The flash
effect would now cause a postponement.