Nuclear electromagnetic pulse

Technology

Worth a look when you cover this topic.

Impact 64.1 · Consider · Confidence 75

• Expanded historical and technical context for HEMP timelines (STARFISH PRIME), added notes on E3 longevity and geology-dependent damage, and new geopolitical considerations about HEMP use and delivery methods.

Add: The long range of HEMP effects was discovered by accident during the 1962 Starfish Prime nuclear test over the Pacific which knocked out electronics in Hawaii away. Add: The EMP damage of the Starfish Prime test was quickly repaired. Add: The use of a HEMP in warfare is a topic of international geopolitical concern though less likely than commonly thought Because a HEMP requires a nuclear weapon any use of a HEMP would likely escalate to total nuclear war However a HEMP might be used as a first strike weapon to degrade an adversary's response in a full nuclear war Because an effective HEMP requires advanced technology real time satellite data a high yield nuclear weapon and sub orbital missiles only a few nations are capable of HEMP warfare The United States China and Rus. Add: Because it is the most long lasting phase the E3 component has the potential to be the most damaging even though its power levels are lower than E1 or E2 E3 damage at a point is dependent on the electrical impedance of the underlying rock strata and thus geology plays a role in determining EMP damage. Add: While all nuclear weapons produce an EMP blast effects predominate over EMP effects in atmospheric detonations Only once a detonation occurs at sufficient altitude greater than does the EMP effect become notable outside the blast area According to an internet primer published by the Federation of American Scientists.

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