Operation Fulcrum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fulcrum |
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|---|---|
| Information | |
| Country | United States |
| Period | 1976–1977 |
| Number of tests | 21 |
| Test type | underground shaft |
| Max. yield | 140 kilotonnes of TNT (590 TJ) |
The United States's Fulcrum nuclear test series was a set of 21 nuclear tests carried out by the United States. These tests happened between 1976 and 1977. They took place after a series called Operation Anvil and before the Operation Cresset series.
Contents
What Was the Fulcrum Test Series?
The Fulcrum series was a collection of tests for nuclear weapons. These tests were done underground, meaning the explosions happened deep below the Earth's surface. The main goal was to develop and improve nuclear weapons.
Where Did These Tests Happen?
All the tests in the Fulcrum series took place at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) in the United States. This site is a large area in Nevada where many nuclear tests have been conducted over the years. The tests were done in special holes called "shafts" dug into the ground.
Why Were These Tests Done?
The main reason for these tests was to develop and improve nuclear weapons. Scientists and engineers wanted to make sure the weapons worked as expected. They also used these tests to learn more about how nuclear explosions behave underground. This research helped them design safer and more effective weapons.
How Powerful Were These Tests?
The power of a nuclear explosion is called its "yield." It's measured in kilotons (kt), which is like saying how many thousands of tons of TNT it would take to make an explosion of the same size. The tests in the Fulcrum series varied in power. The smallest tests had a yield of less than 20 kilotons. The largest explosion in this series was the "Marsilly" test, which had a yield of 140 kilotons. To give you an idea, 140 kilotons is equal to the explosive power of 140,000 tons of TNT!
Some of the tests, like "Dofino," "Marsilly," and "Carnelian," caused a small amount of gas to escape to the surface. This is called "venting." Scientists carefully monitored these events.
Key Facts About the Fulcrum Tests
- Number of Tests: There were 21 nuclear tests in total.
- Time Period: The tests happened over two years, from 1976 to 1977.
- Location: All tests were conducted at the Nevada Test Site.
- Type of Test: All explosions were underground, in shafts.
- Purpose: The main goal was to develop and improve nuclear weapons.
