What would happen if five modern nuclear bombs detonated over a town?

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The discussion focuses on the effects of nuclear radiation in a coastal town following a nuclear event. Key points include the variability of radiation duration and fallout depending on the type of nuclear weapon used, as yields and fallout characteristics differ significantly. Historical examples like Hiroshima and Nagasaki illustrate that reconstruction can begin relatively quickly after such events, as most radioactive products are short-lived. Concerns about global impacts and ocean contamination are addressed, emphasizing that these factors depend on numerous variables, including the bomb's altitude and the local environment. The conversation also touches on the nuances of human impact, such as differences in flash burns based on skin color, although this aspect is met with some confusion and critique regarding terminology. Overall, the discussion highlights the complexity of nuclear fallout and its localized effects.
physicsscribe
Let's say the town is a coastal town. How long would the radiation remain? Would there be any fallout comparable to nuclear winter? How would the ocean be affected?
 
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Why 5?
It depends on the type of nuclear weapon - their yields vary widely (much more than a factor of 5), and their fallout is variable as well.
Most products of nuclear weapons are short-living or distribute quickly in the environment. In Hiroshima and Nagasaki, reconstruction started quickly (~months) after the bombs.

There would be no relevant global impact.
 
Also depends on the altitude, the type of matter on the ground that could be propelled into the atmosphere, the type of bomb...etc...goes on forever...so many variables.
 
physicsscribe said:
Let's say the town is a coastal town. How long would the radiation remain? Would there be any fallout comparable to nuclear winter? How would the ocean be affected?
http://www.mypixshare.net/files/img/user_uploads/displayimage.php?id=gbbsl388kkjk6563668.gif
There are variables all the way down to the pigment of the skin of the populous below...
 
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KWilliamsAF said:
http://www.mypixshare.net/files/img/user_uploads/displayimage.php?id=gbbsl388kkjk6563668.gif
There are variables all the way down to the pigment of the skin of the populous below...

Ex-populous. What in the world do you mean with this post?
 
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berkeman said:
Ex-populous. What in the world do you mean with this post?

Probably that the flash burns will differ in degree depending on skin color if the victim is far enough away.
 
etudiant said:
Probably that the flash burns will differ in degree depending on skin color if the victim is far enough away.

I guess. VERY far away!
 
KWilliamsAF said:
http://www.mypixshare.net/files/img/user_uploads/displayimage.php?id=gbbsl388kkjk6563668.gif
There are variables all the way down to the pigment of the skin of the populous below...

'Populous' is an adjective. The word you are looking for is 'populace'.
 
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Not sure what this is but is surely is NOT Nuclear Engineering.
Moved to GD,

Sorry Evo.
 
  • #10
I stuck a fork in it, this thread is done.
 

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