How do nuclear bombs affect the environment?
A detonated nuclear bomb produces a fireball, shockwaves and intense radiation. A mushroom cloud forms from vaporized debris and disperses radioactive particles that fall to earth contaminating air, soil, water and the food supply. When carried by wind currents, fallout can cause far-reaching environmental damage.
What is meant by nuclear war?
A nuclear war is a war in which countries fight with nuclear weapons. Because nuclear weapons are extremely powerful and could cause destruction throughout the world, the possibility of nuclear war has had a great effect on international politics. So far, two nuclear weapons have been used during warfare.
Which environmental issue is responsible for nuclear winter?
The basic cause of nuclear winter, as hypothesized by researchers, would be the numerous and immense fireballs caused by exploding nuclear warheads. These fireballs would ignite huge uncontrolled fires (firestorms) over any and all cities and forests that were within range of them.
How many nuclear bomb tests have there been since WW2?
The Little Boy class of bombs that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki were never detonated in tests. But, as this interactive infographic shows, there have been more than 2,000 nuclear weapons tests since the end of the Second World War. These are five of the most infamous nuclear test sites.
How active was the Cold War in developing nuclear weapons?
If we consider the number of nuclear weapons tests, we can see that the Cold War was a very active period of nuclear weapons development. Although nuclear weapons were only ever used in warfare during the Second World War, there have been over 2000 nuclear weapons tests since then.
How accurate is the data on nuclear weapons tests?
The data on nuclear weapons tests come from the Oklohoma Geological Survey and can be considered an accurate count of nuclear weapons tests. Data: Estimate of the nuclear warhead inventory and capability of each nuclear power Data: Nuclear tests, above ground nuclear detonations, high-altitude nuclear explosions and fatalities
What happens when a nuclear bomb is tested below the ground?
Where nuclear explosions are contained below ground, the outcomes for the test site can be less devastating. The Tatum Dome test site in Lamar County, Mississippi was used to test two nuclear devices in the 1960s. Locals reported the ground undulating like liquid as a result of the blasts.