The impact of a hypothetical nuclear explosion’s source region electromagnetic pulses (SREMP) on urban communications infrastructure

This study aims to evaluate the effects of nuclear electromagnetic pulses, with a particular focus on source region electromagnetic pulses (SREMP), on essential urban infrastructure, notably telecommunications systems. Through systematic analysis, the investigation seeks to clarify the extent of disruption and the vulnerabilities SREMPs pose to urban communication networks, contributing to a deeper understanding of critical infrastructure resilience in the face of such electromagnetic threats. These pulses, generated by nuclear detonations, can severely disrupt urban environments. The research aims to determine the extent of areas affected by explosions of varying yields and how detonation locations influence the resilience of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly by comparing antenna density in impacted regions with the total number in the area. Adopting a conservative approach, the study assesses the vulnerability of this infrastructure while excluding it from the analysis. Using HotSpot Health Physics Codes for simulations, it examines relationships among explosion yields, the range of electromagnetic effects, and antenna density. Findings emphasize the importance of maintaining communication for survival after such events and highlight the need to develop protective strategies to enhance urban resilience against disruptions, intentionally excluding thermal effects, radiation emissions, mechanical impacts, and biological consequences.