End Resource) for each nuclear test as well as studies of the
seismic effects, temperature, radiation, and geological and physical effects of nuclear blasts.
Radicactive samples from NTS were usually sent to the Radiochemistry Laboratory in Livermore. The LRL Earth Science Group
assisted in selecting sites, sampling, determining depths, interpreting gamma logs, selecting sampling techniques, geological
mapping of excavations, and determining radioactive samples to be
sent to Radiochemistry.
(These included samples from Hardhat,
Danny Boy, and Sedan, the first nuclear cratering under AEC
Plowshare).
fast
burst
LRL-Nevada also constructed and tested "Fran," a
reactor used
for
irradiating
special
samples
at NTS.
In the mid-1960s, the Laboratory Field Operations conducted
several underground test series at NTS.
The Chemistry Department
developed an air-launch rocket sampling system to obtain samples
of radioactive debris.
The L Division developed rocket-carried
instrument packages for device diagnostics.
In conjunction with
Sandia Corporation, the Division created booster and recovery
systems.
In the late 1950s and in the 1960s, the Test Division
focused on the underground nuclear explosions for military use.
A particular challenge in the test emerged in the recovery of
test devices which measured phenomena in the presence of high
radiation backgrounds.
In 1963, the Storax series of underground nuclear tests were
made at NTS.
LRL also designed and executed projects Schooner
and Dribble salt dome shots.
By the mid-1960s, the LRL-Nevada Group averaged 250 people.
They participated in Niblick and Whetstone weapons series, K
Division Plowshare programs at NTS, Project Pluto Tory reactor
series assembly, test, and removal; off-site technical and administrative support of projects; and the Airborne Diagnostics Pro-
gram.
Engineering and Construction participated in construction of
radioactive containment. The group also supervised deactivation
of the area 401 Tory II-C reactor facility, constructed a mechanical and technical shop, the Super Kukla, and other facilities
at NTS.
In 1965, the Nevada Test Division moved into the "Blue
Building" at Mercury which housed the Health Physics Laboratory,
Photo Laboratory, Electronics and Mechanical Shops, and an IBM
computer.
Both Physics and Earth Science at Nevada operated the Super
Kukla and Fran reactors to test performance and measure effects.
They also supported Weapons and Plowshare programs in the study
of shock, geological and physical properties, and collected
radiation samples.
The Geophysics Section used diagnostic
trailer for preshot seismic exploration and ground-motion studies
from the shot, and airborne radioactivity tests.
Electronics
Engineering supported reaction history data acquisition, and