Underground Nuclear Testing: A Retrospective

Mike Moran
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
May 28, 2002

Abstract:
The Nevada Test Site was the scene of a long history of underground nuclear tests. These events required the regular scheduling of massive and complex physics experiments. The range of personnel, equipment, and funding that was needed to complete each test was extraordinary. In spite of the large scale of the operations, many events incorporated highly sophisticated physics experiments into the diagnostic packages. The data that was generated provides a valuable resource for nuclear weapons research that will last for many years.