SOURCES OF DATA
There were five primary sources of information which may be used for

a qualitative evaluation of weather changes attributable to detonation of
high yield devices at the Pacific Proving Ground:
1.

The network of surface and upper air observation stations.

This network consisted of regularly reporting weather stations at
Eniwetok, Kwajalein, Majuro, Ponape, Kusaie, Truk, Wake, Marcus and
spasmodically reporting stations at Rongerik and Tarawa.

These stations

were within an area bounded by the equator and latitude 25° N., and
longitudes 150° E. and 175° E.

Eniwetok was approximately in the center

of this trapezoid which has an area of about two-thirds that of the

continental United States.
2.

weather surveillance over approximately this area.

3.

Limited radar coverage.

Radar used was the SPS-6, installed

on the command ship for the control of aircraft.

It was not primarily

used for weather surveillance, and sketches of shower distribution as

show on the SPS~6 scope were possible only whenthe scope was not being
used to vector aircraft.
4.

Visual sky and shower observation.

Immediately prior to,

and for a period of several hours following each shot, visual observations of sky and shower conditions were taken by personnel of the Task
Force Weather Central.

These observations were necessarily from a point

Upstream from the area where a major portion of the radioactive fallout
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Aerial weather reconnaissance aircraft which maintained

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