METEOROLOGICAL BENEFITS FROM ATMOSPHERIC NUCLEAR TESTS

Abstract

The presence in the atmosphere of radioactive debris from nuclear tests provided a unique opportunity to study atmospheric motions and transfers of trace substances. Measurements of the concentrations in air of radionuclides were used to verify trajectories derived solely from weather data. The profiles of radioactive concentration along the aircraft tracks were non-Gaussian. High-flying aircraft and balloons collected air and particulate samples to approximately 30,000 m from Alaska to South America. The measurements from these samples were used in verifying stratospheric motions on a hemispheric and global scale. Other benefits to the atmospheric sciences gained during the nuclear testing era are briefly described.