Earthquakes and Bomb Tests
The United States exploded two nuclear bombs within five days beneath the Nevada desert (on June 19 and June 23). Both tests had a force of approximately 20 kilotons (a total equivalent of 80 million pounds of TNT bursting underground). Less than 10 days later three earthquakes occurred in California and Nevada (June 28-29). This is not the first time that earthquakes have closely followed man-made underground explosions.
Is it possible that subterranean nuclear testing helps to trigger earthquakes in an already delicate and sensitive area? What exactly do these nuclear tests accomplish and are they really worth the possible risk involved?
ERIK WUNSTELL
Fresno
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