Rulison, Colorado facts for kids
Rulison is a small, unincorporated community located in Garfield County, Colorado, United States. It is most famous for a special event that happened there many years ago: the Project Rulison nuclear test. This test took place on September 10, 1969. The nearby town of Parachute, Colorado is close by, and you can easily reach Rulison from major roads like Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 6.
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Rulison: A Small Place with a Big Story
Rulison might be a small community, but it played a part in a big scientific experiment. This experiment was part of a larger effort to find new ways to get energy. The story of Project Rulison is an interesting look into how people tried to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
What Was Project Rulison?
Project Rulison was a special test that happened deep underground near Rulison. It was part of a program called "Operation Plowshare." This program explored if nuclear explosions could be used for things other than weapons. Scientists wanted to see if they could use a nuclear blast to help get natural gas from the ground.
Why Did They Do It?
Natural gas is often trapped in very tight rock formations deep underground. It's hard to get this gas out using normal drilling methods. Scientists thought that a powerful nuclear explosion could create big cracks in these rocks. These cracks would then allow the natural gas to flow more easily to the surface, where it could be collected.
On September 10, 1969, a nuclear device was exploded about 8,400 feet (2,560 meters) underground. This was much deeper than a mile! The goal was to create a large underground space and cracks to release the gas.
What Happened After the Test?
After the explosion, scientists tried to collect the natural gas. However, they found that the gas was radioactive. This meant it had tiny particles from the nuclear blast. Because of this, the gas could not be used safely.
The project showed that while nuclear explosions could create cracks, the gas became contaminated. This made it unsafe for people to use. Because of these safety concerns, the Project Rulison site was sealed off.
Is the Rulison Site Safe Today?
Yes, the Project Rulison site is carefully monitored to this day. The area where the explosion happened is deep underground and sealed. There are strict rules to make sure the area remains safe. People are not allowed to drill for water or gas near the test site. This helps protect the environment and local communities.
Where is Rulison Located?
Rulison is in western Colorado, in Garfield County. It's in a beautiful area with mountains and cliffs. The community is close to the Colorado River, a very important river in the western United States. Being near major highways makes it easy to access.
