Propagation of Air Waves from Nuclear Explosions

S>An examination of low-frequency pressure waves generated by large thermonuclear explosions provided data on the relation of air wave propagation to atmospheric structure. These waves can be detected days after the time of detonation. Because these waves travel under the joint influence of the acoustic properties of the atmosphere and gravity, they are called acoustic-gravity waves, in distinction to pure acoustic waves and pure gravity waves. Information as to how they are propagated and detected as well as the theory behind these processes were included in order to predict theoretically the observed properties of the waves described and to gain an understanding of the mechanisms by which the waves propagate. Methods of making frequency analyses with respect to seismograms were applied to the analysis of pressure records from nuclear explosions. (C.E.S.)