In the early 50-ies of American scientists have proposed the idea of using the energy of a nuclear explosion in the so-called peaceful purposes. It was assumed that the explosions of atomic bombs of different power can be applied to solve a variety of production tasks. The idea was that an explosion can be very quickly and economically profitable to produce removing huge masses of earth and rocks, facilitating these tasks, like creation of water channels or the mining pits. In 1957, the U.S. government launched the so-called Operation plusher, which until 1973 was made on 27 nuclear explosions. During one of them created the biggest “dry” funnel, which, unlike the famous Chaganskoe crater which became a lake, preserved in its original form till our days.
The project of creation of the Sedan crater was conducted during the second nuclear explosion in Operation plusher. Scientists wanted to create a huge crater, examining the possibility of using peaceful nuclear energy for mining. Like all other tests in the framework of Operation ploucher this project was carried out at the nuclear test site located in Nevada. By the way, from 1951 to 1992 at this place in total was blown up about a thousand atomic bombs.
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Today the area of the polygon reminiscent of the moon, which is also littered with craters of different sizes made from fallen asteroids. The testing of nuclear weapons are no longer held.
Satellite image of part of the nuclear test site in Nevada
How was the largest nuclear crater in the USA
For the preparation of the explosion, engineers have created a well with a depth of almost 200 meters and lowered her nuclear explosive device weighing 212 pounds and a power of 104 kilotons. Undermining was carried out on 6 June 1962. The power of the explosion was such that at first to a height of 90 meters above the surface rose the huge dome of sand, stones and earth, which three seconds later exploded, scattering for miles over 11 million tons of soil.
On the site of the explosion appeared crater with a diameter of 390 meters and a depth of 100 meters. Today it is the largest crater in the United States created a nuclear explosion.
Measurements of radiation levels after the explosion showed a dose of 500 roentgens that is deadly to humans. Gradually, the level of radiation decreased and after 7 months was completely safe for humans. So that allowed us to be close to the crater without any protective clothing.
The consequences of a nuclear explosion
The worst was the fact that after the explosion in the air was raised a huge cloud of dust containing radioactive particles. Then it was divided in two. The resulting radioactive cloud rose to a height of 3 and 4.9 kilometers each. Propelled by the wind they headed North-East, reaching the Atlantic ocean. As your progress the cloud “showered” the radioactive fallout. In total, the area of deposition of radioactive particles were according to official data, more than 13 million people living in the territory of the States of Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, South Dakota.
According to the official data, among all conducted nuclear test, project Sedan was the threat by fallen fallout. In particular, it is for this reason, the Operation blauser, was closed in 1973. Their role also had a strong pressure of the American public, worried about health effects as a result of such tests.
If the Sedan crater today?
Currently at the test site in Nevada, where the Sedan crater, you can take group tours that are in high demand. In the year this place is visited by more than 10,000 people. The crater has installed an observation deck, allowing to consider local landmark in every detail.
Attendance rules are strict. It is prohibited to carry photo and video equipment, binoculars, phones and other equipment. From the area of the polygon is not allowed to take any Souvenirs. Even picked up a stone from the ground may be the reason that tourist is deployed on the output. The area is strictly guarded by the military and to have free access to the site is closed.
In the late 60-ies in the USSR was carried out the same experiments with the peaceful atom. They lasted much longer than in the United States until the end of 80-ies. The Soviet government did not stop the unfortunate experience of Americans with a crater Sedan in 1962. So after years on the territory of Kazakhstan there was an Atomic lake Chagan. But that’s another story, which you can read in our previous article.
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