Probing the Earth with nuclear explosions
Abstract
Progress in seismology is reviewed with emphasis on the usefulness of past nuclear weapon tests in determining the internal structure of the earth. Shot times and locations are tabulated for 169 U. S. atomic explosions, with seismic data from Pasadena. The advantages of using large chemical explosions and future nuclear explosions detonated under the Plowshare program as controlled energy sources for carefully instrumented seismological experiments are discussed. Finally, an international program of explosions for seismological research is proposed, and specific suggestions are made for attacking several outstanding problems in seismology by means of chemical and clean nuclear explosions and the instrumentation network proposed at Geneva for nuclear test detection. Deep oceanic seismometer lines are proposed as a means for making important improvements in seismic knowledge of the world and possible improvements in the detection of atomic explosions.
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