Operation Grenadier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grenadier |
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|---|---|
| Information | |
| Country | United States |
| Period | 1984–1985 |
| Number of tests | 16 |
| Test type | underground shaft, tunnel |
| Max. yield | 150 kilotonnes of TNT (630 TJ) |
Operation Grenadier was a group of 16 nuclear tests carried out by the United States. These tests happened underground at the Nevada Test Site between 1984 and 1985. This series of tests came after Operation Fusileer and before Operation Charioteer.
Contents
What Was Operation Grenadier?
Operation Grenadier was a set of nuclear tests. The United States conducted these tests to develop and improve its nuclear weapons. All 16 explosions happened deep underground. This was done to prevent harmful radiation from spreading into the air.
Where Did the Tests Happen?
All the tests in Operation Grenadier took place at the Nevada Test Site. This site is a large area in Nevada, USA, where many nuclear tests have been performed. The tests were done in different parts of the site, in special shafts (deep holes) or tunnels.
How Powerful Were the Explosions?
The power of a nuclear explosion is called its yield. It is measured in kilotons (kt). One kiloton is equal to the explosive power of 1,000 tons of TNT. The tests in Operation Grenadier varied in power. The smallest tests had a yield of about 2.5 kilotons. The largest test, named Hermosa, had a yield of 150 kilotons. Another test, Towanda, also had a yield of 150 kilotons.
Key Tests in Operation Grenadier
The 16 tests happened over two years. Here are some examples:
- Vermejo: This test happened on October 2, 1984. It had a yield of 2.5 kilotons.
- Tierra: On December 15, 1984, this test had a yield of 80 kilotons. Some radiation was detected escaping from the ground.
- Vaughn: This test on March 15, 1985, had a yield of 20 kilotons. A small amount of radiation was detected outside the test area.
- Hermosa: On April 2, 1985, this was one of the most powerful tests at 150 kilotons. The Soviet Union, another major world power at the time, claimed this test might have broken a treaty about nuclear testing.
- Misty Rain: This test on April 6, 1985, had a yield of 15 kilotons. Some radiation was detected off-site.
- Towanda: On May 2, 1985, this test also had a yield of 150 kilotons.
- Salut: This test on June 12, 1985, had a yield of 100 kilotons. A small amount of radiation was detected.
- Serena: On July 25, 1985, this test had a yield of 45 kilotons. Some radiation was detected.
- Cebrero: This test on August 14, 1985, had a yield of less than 20 kilotons. Some radiation was detected.
Most of these tests were done to help develop new nuclear weapons. Some were also done to study the effects of these weapons.
