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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the hypothetical scenario of detonating five modern nuclear bombs over a coastal town, exploring the potential radiation effects, fallout, and environmental impacts, including the ocean. Participants consider various factors that could influence the outcomes, such as bomb type, yield, altitude, and local conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the duration of radiation and potential fallout, questioning if it could lead to effects similar to nuclear winter.
  • Others argue that the type of nuclear weapon and its yield significantly influence the fallout and radiation levels, noting that the effects can vary widely.
  • It is suggested that the altitude of detonation and the nature of the ground materials could also affect the outcomes, indicating a multitude of variables at play.
  • One participant mentions that the flash burns from the explosion could differ based on the skin color of individuals, depending on their distance from the blast.
  • There is a correction regarding the use of the term 'populous', with a participant pointing out that 'populace' is the correct term.
  • Some participants express confusion about certain posts, indicating a lack of clarity in the discussion.
  • A participant notes that the thread may not fit within the category of Nuclear Engineering, suggesting a shift in the discussion's focus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specifics of the scenario, with multiple competing views and uncertainties remaining regarding the effects of nuclear detonations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on various assumptions about bomb types, yields, and environmental conditions, as well as unresolved questions about the implications of radiation and fallout.

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...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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'.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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