VLF amplitude perturbations in the Antarctic due to the nuclear explosion of July 9, 1962

Abstract

Broadband VLF magnetic tape recordings were obtained at Byrd, South Pole, and Cape Hallet in the Antarctic and onboard the U.S.N.S. ‘Eltanin’ near Valparaiso, Chile, during the Starfish high‐altitude nuclear event of July 9, 1962. Amplitudes of selected VLF transmitter signals are presented, confirming the existence of disturbed ionospheric conditions over a wide geographical area. Comparison of signal perturbations on various pairs of paths from common transmitters provides evidence of disturbed conditions at L values greater than 6.

Neutral atmosphere dynamics

“…On the other hand, nuclear detona tions provide a good (dominant) spatially and tempo* rally known source. The atmospheric waves generatec during these nuclear explosions have been studied extensively, particularly by their effect on the F region [Albee and Kanellakos, 1968;Baker and Davies, 1968;Carpenter et al, 1968;Herron and Monies, 1970;Hines, 1967;Kanellakos, 1967;Lomux and Nielson, 1968;Row, 1967;Tolstoy and Herror. 1970;Tolstoy and Lau, 1970].…”