How many nukes would it take to destroy a city?, page 1
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reply posted on 20-4-2008 @ 07:24 PM by masqua
A little googling gets answers quick...

Effects of a Nuclear Explosion Damage caused by nuclear explosions can vary greatly, depending on the weapon’s yield (measured in kilotons or megatons), the type of nuclear fuel used, the design of the device, whether it’s exploded in the air or at earth’s surface, the geography surrounding the target, whether it’s winter or summer, hazy or clear, night or day, windy or calm. Whatever the factors, though, the explosion will release several distinct forms of energy. One form is the explosive blast. Other forms are direct nuclear radiation and thermal radiation. And then there’s radioactive fallout — not exactly energy released by the explosion, but still a destructive result.

www.nationalterroralert.com...


The first effect of a nuclear explosion in the air is an intense flash of light, as quick as a lightning flash but a thousand times as bright. It is accompanied by a powerful pulse of heat radiation, sufficient to set fire to light combustible material out to a distance of fourteen km., and to paint or wood at half that distance.

-snip-

The estimates for a city of one million or two million struck by a single one-megaton bomb are that around one third of the inhabitants would be killed instantly or fatally injured, one third seriously injured, and the rest uninjured or only slightly injured.

ram3.chem.sunysb.edu...


I've read of weapons developed during the 1980's which were in the 140 - 150 kiloton range, so the math is easy to extrapolate.

Bottom line remains the same; place head between your knees and kiss your butt goodbye.

Have a nice day.



[edit on 20/4/08 by masqua]


reply posted on 20-4-2008 @ 08:42 PM by masqua
reply to post by Breifne



Remembering the lessons learnt during military training, the initial attacks would be on primary targets... airfields, military bases, shipyards, missile silos and important infrastructure like power stations, major bridges, etc.

Secondary targets would be governmental centers like capital cities as well as manufacturing areas (and so on).

Cities which are spared in the first exchanges would be hit later as refugees from bombed areas begin to filter to them simply because the remaining civil and military authorities would try to concentrate survivors into these places for triage.

A nuclear exchange would not be a quick thing. Subs, silently waiting for their turn to attack, would send their missiles during the weeks following the initial attacks.

The idea is to decimate all forms of organized control, leaving the target population alienated and scattered without any assistance from their now destroyed government.

Then the land war would begin with an invasion by the one who survived with the least amount of damage to their military, if that is at all feasable.

[IMO] China fits that parameter the best as long as they have developed a large enough fleet. Russia, I don't believe, can compare to China's ability to survive an exchange. If it was an exchange between Russia and America, there is no doubt the Chinese would rule the world for centuries afterwards simply because they have the sufficient numbers in population.
[/IMO]


reply posted on 20-4-2008 @ 09:00 PM by Breifne
reply to post by masqua


But do you believe it is nuclear protocol to attack every major power, irrespective of their military stance?

You mention China and it's ability to grow as a world power given the demise of the US and Russian influence. Surely it would be hit to prevent this.

I guess no one knows this answer and for good reasons.
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