Project 1.9— Water Wave Studies - L. W. Kidd
OBJECTIVES AND INSTRUMENTATION
Studies of water wave action generated by the detonation of large
yield (greater than 1 MT) nuclear devices are made at relatively close
ranges and at several distant island stations by Project 1.9.

Four

shore recording wave measuring stations (of the Mark VIII type) were

active in Bikini Lagoon fonJonerciee).
Project 1,9 constructed

In addition,

and installed four new type long period wave

recorders on Fniwetok, Ailinginae, Wake, and Johnston Islands.

These

recorders are designed to document long period, low amplitude deep
ocean waves of the tsunami type.

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The recorders operate continuously

but only receive significant signals from the large shots at Bikini,
In addition to the above instrumentation, a tide gage was active at
Ailinginae Atoll, and Sandia Corporation microbarographic stations

were operated by Project 1.9 at Wake and Johnston.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The tide gage record has not yet been recovered from Ailinginae,
All other stations yielded excellent data.

The Bikini Lagoon stations

indicate there was no significant wave action in the lagoon,

Detailed

analysis may show the presence of a background-level wave entering the
lagoon through the Enyu (Nan) channel or possibly the presence of an
air-coupled water wave ijisturbance within the lagoon.

All shore re-

cording stations in the Bikini area yielded data on overpressure,

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