Operation Mandrel

Last updated

Operation Mandrel
Mandrel Mirlow.gif
Mandrel Mirlow, 1Mt.
Information
CountryUnited States
Test site
  • Amchitka Island, Alaska
  • near Parachute, Colorado
  • NTS Area 12, Rainier Mesa
  • NTS Area 16, Shoshone Mountain
  • NTS Area 19, 20, Pahute Mesa
  • NTS Areas 5, 11, Frenchman Flat
  • NTS, Areas 1–4, 6–10, Yucca Flat
Period1969–1970
Number of tests52
Test typeunderground shaft, tunnel
Max. yield1.9 megatonnes of TNT (7.9 PJ)
Test series chronology

The United States's Mandrel nuclear test series [1] was a group of 52 nuclear tests conducted in 1969–1970. These tests [note 1] followed the Operation Bowline series and preceded the Operation Emery series.

United States' Mandrel series tests and detonations
Name [note 2] Date time (UT) Local time zone [note 3] [3] Location [note 4] Elevation + height [note 5] Delivery [note 6]
Purpose [note 7]
Device [note 8] Yield [note 9] Fallout [note 10] References Notes
IldrimJuly 16, 1969 13:02:30.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2au 37°07′10″N116°03′22″W / 37.11939°N 116.05599°W / 37.11939; -116.05599 (Ildrim) 1,256 m (4,121 ft)410.26 m (1,346.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
20 kt [1] [4] [5] [6] [7]
HutchJuly 16, 1969 14:55:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2df 37°08′22″N116°05′18″W / 37.13953°N 116.08822°W / 37.13953; -116.08822 (Hutch) 1,300 m (4,300 ft)548.64 m (1,800.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
120 ktVenting detected, 1.1 kCi (41 TBq) [1] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Spider - 1August 14, 1969 14:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2bp1 37°09′37″N116°03′52″W / 37.1602°N 116.06448°W / 37.1602; -116.06448 (Spider - 1) 1,292 m (4,239 ft)207.26 m (680.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
1 ktVenting detected, 2 Ci (74 GBq) [1] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Spider - 2August 14, 1969 14:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2bp2 37°09′30″N116°03′53″W / 37.1582°N 116.06467°W / 37.1582; -116.06467 (Spider - 2) 1,291 m (4,236 ft)213 m (699 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
1 kt [1] [6] [7] [8] Simultaneous, separate holes.
HorehoundAugust 27, 1969 13:45:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3gm 36°59′34″N115°59′47″W / 36.99267°N 115.99637°W / 36.99267; -115.99637 (Horehound) 1,174 m (3,852 ft)331.83 m (1,088.7 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
less than 20 kt [1] [6] [7]
PliersAugust 27, 1969 13:45:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3gn 37°01′17″N116°02′20″W / 37.02146°N 116.03884°W / 37.02146; -116.03884 (Pliers) 1,187 m (3,894 ft)238.87 m (783.7 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
10 ktVenting detected on site [1] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Rulison September 10, 1969 21:00:00.01 MST (–7 hrs)
near Parachute, Colorado 39°24′19″N107°56′55″W / 39.40535°N 107.94857°W / 39.40535; -107.94857 (Rulison) 2,498 m (8,196 ft)2,570 m (8,430 ft)underground shaft,
peaceful research
40 ktVenting detected off site [1] [7] [9] Plowshare – gas stimulation experiment.
Minute SteakSeptember 12, 1969 18:02:20.42 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U11f 36°52′38″N115°55′46″W / 36.87718°N 115.92936°W / 36.87718; -115.92936 (Minute Steak) 1,007 m (3,304 ft)264.26 m (867.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapon effect
5 ktVenting detected on site, 8.4 kCi (310 TBq) [1] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
JorumSeptember 16, 1969 14:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U20e - 37°18′51″N116°27′42″W / 37.31408°N 116.46156°W / 37.31408; -116.46156 (Jorum) 1,898 m (6,227 ft)1,158.24 m (3,800.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
800 kt [1] [4] [6] [7] [10]
Kyack - 1September 20, 1969 14:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2bq1 37°09′31″N116°04′07″W / 37.15874°N 116.06863°W / 37.15874; -116.06863 (Kyack - 1) 1,296 m (4,252 ft)192.02 m (630.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
800 tVenting detected on site [1] [4] [6] [7] [8] [11] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Kyack - 2September 20, 1969 14:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2bq2 37°09′26″N116°04′00″W / 37.15729°N 116.06677°W / 37.15729; -116.06677 (Kyack - 2) 1,293 m (4,242 ft)192 m (630 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
1 ktVenting detected on site, 510 Ci (19,000 GBq) [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Seaweed - 1October 1, 1969 14:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3hk3 37°00′41″N115°59′58″W / 37.01141°N 115.99935°W / 37.01141; -115.99935 (Seaweed - 1) 1,184 m (3,885 ft)118.43 m (388.5 ft)underground shaft,
safety experiment
less than 20 ktVenting detected on site, 0.00000005 Ci (1.9×10−6 GBq) [1] [6] [7] [8] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Seaweed - 2October 1, 1969 14:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3hkf 37°00′38″N116°00′01″W / 37.01048°N 116.0003°W / 37.01048; -116.0003 (Seaweed - 2) 1,183 m (3,881 ft)118 m (387 ft)underground shaft,
safety experiment
less than 20 ktVenting detected on site [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Seaweed - 3October 1, 1969 14:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3hkc 37°00′49″N115°59′58″W / 37.01371°N 115.99935°W / 37.01371; -115.99935 (Seaweed - 3) 1,184 m (3,885 ft) + underground shaft,
safety experiment
less than 20 ktVenting detected on site [1] [6] [7] [8] Simultaneous, separate holes.
MilrowOctober 2, 1969 22:06:00.04 BST (–11 hrs)
Amchitka Island, Alaska 51°24′57″N179°10′46″E / 51.41572°N 179.17939°E / 51.41572; 179.17939 (Milrow) 40 m (130 ft)1,220 m (4,000 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
1 Mt [1] [5] [7] Calibration for Grommet Cannikin test. Was initially named "Ganja", until someone in the DoE got wise to it.
PipkinOctober 8, 1969 14:30:00.14 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U20b 37°15′24″N116°26′30″W / 37.25667°N 116.44164°W / 37.25667; -116.44164 (Pipkin) 1,965 m (6,447 ft)624.84 m (2,050.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
200 ktVenting detected, 6 Ci (220 GBq) [1] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
Seaweed BOctober 16, 1969 14:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3hkd 37°00′45″N115°59′56″W / 37.01255°N 115.99901°W / 37.01255; -115.99901 (Seaweed B) 1,185 m (3,888 ft)118.55 m (388.9 ft)underground shaft,
safety experiment
less than 20 ktVenting detected on site, 0.0000002 Ci (7.4×10−6 GBq) [1] [6] [7] [8]
CruetOctober 29, 1969 19:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2cn 37°07′17″N116°07′42″W / 37.12138°N 116.12829°W / 37.12138; -116.12829 (Cruet) 1,372 m (4,501 ft)263.65 m (865.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
11 kt [1] [5] [6] [7]
Pod - 1October 29, 1969 20:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2ch 37°08′25″N116°07′53″W / 37.14015°N 116.13136°W / 37.14015; -116.13136 (Pod - 1) 1,397 m (4,583 ft)266.7 m (875 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
16.7 ktVenting detected on site, 3.9 kCi (140 TBq) [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Pod - 2October 29, 1969 20:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2ci 37°08′25″N116°08′34″W / 37.1404°N 116.1427°W / 37.1404; -116.1427 (Pod - 2) 1,464 m (4,803 ft) + underground shaft,
weapons development
16.7 ktVenting detected on site [1] [6] [7] [8] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Pod - 3October 29, 1969 20:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2dj 37°08′11″N116°08′27″W / 37.13628°N 116.14083°W / 37.13628; -116.14083 (Pod - 3) 1,448 m (4,751 ft) + underground shaft,
weapons development
16.7 ktVenting detected on site [1] [6] [7] [8] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Pod - 4October 29, 1969 20:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2ck 37°08′07″N116°08′13″W / 37.13532°N 116.13694°W / 37.13532; -116.13694 (Pod - 4) 1,424 m (4,672 ft)312 m (1,024 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
16.7 ktVenting detected on site [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] Simultaneous, separate holes.
CalabashOctober 29, 1969 22:01:51.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2av 37°08′36″N116°03′54″W / 37.14326°N 116.06501°W / 37.14326; -116.06501 (Calabash) 1,283 m (4,209 ft)624.84 m (2,050.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
110 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] [10]
ScuttleNovember 13, 1969 15:15:00.13 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2bh 37°09′53″N116°04′33″W / 37.16462°N 116.07576°W / 37.16462; -116.07576 (Scuttle) 1,312 m (4,304 ft)164.59 m (540.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
1.7 ktVenting detected, 210 Ci (7,800 GBq) [1] [6] [7] [8] [9]
PiccalilliNovember 21, 1969 14:52:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3fc 37°01′52″N116°00′10″W / 37.03118°N 116.00276°W / 37.03118; -116.00276 (Piccalilli) 1,195 m (3,921 ft)393.8 m (1,292 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
22 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] [10]
PlanerNovember 21, 1969 14:52:00.08 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ei 37°00′53″N116°01′24″W / 37.01481°N 116.02347°W / 37.01481; -116.02347 (Planer) 1,183 m (3,881 ft)377.84 m (1,239.6 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
20 kt [1] [6] [7] [10]
Diesel TrainDecember 5, 1969 17:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U12e.11 37°10′48″N116°12′42″W / 37.17992°N 116.21174°W / 37.17992; -116.21174 (Diesel Train) 2,207 m (7,241 ft)419.15 m (1,375.2 ft)tunnel,
weapon effect
20 kt [1] [4] [6] [7] [10]
Culantro - 1December 10, 1969 15:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3hia 37°00′53″N116°00′13″W / 37.01469°N 116.00362°W / 37.01469; -116.00362 (Culantro - 1) 1,181 m (3,875 ft)134.13 m (440.1 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
less than 20 kt [1] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Culantro - 2December 10, 1969 15:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3hib 37°00′54″N116°00′07″W / 37.01489°N 116.0019°W / 37.01489; -116.0019 (Culantro - 2) 1,182 m (3,878 ft) + underground shaft,
weapons development
less than 20 kt [1] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Tun - 1December 10, 1969 15:30:00.07 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U10am1 37°10′04″N116°04′49″W / 37.16771°N 116.08023°W / 37.16771; -116.08023 (Tun - 1) 1,323 m (4,341 ft)193.55 m (635.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
2.5 ktVenting detected on site [1] [4] [6] [7] [8] [11] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Tun - 2December 10, 1969 15:30:00.07 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U10am2 37°10′10″N116°04′49″W / 37.16945°N 116.08019°W / 37.16945; -116.08019 (Tun - 2) 1,324 m (4,344 ft)194 m (636 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
2 ktVenting detected on site, 72 Ci (2,700 GBq) [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Tun - 3December 10, 1969 15:30:00.07 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U10am3 37°10′04″N116°04′41″W / 37.16769°N 116.07797°W / 37.16769; -116.07797 (Tun - 3) 1,319 m (4,327 ft)194 m (636 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
2 ktVenting detected on site [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Tun - 4December 10, 1969 15:30:00.07 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U10am4 37°10′10″N116°04′41″W / 37.16947°N 116.07796°W / 37.16947; -116.07796 (Tun - 4) 1,320 m (4,330 ft)256 m (840 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
3 ktVenting detected on site [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Grape ADecember 17, 1969 15:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U7s 37°05′00″N116°00′10″W / 37.08333°N 116.00266°W / 37.08333; -116.00266 (Grape A) 1,274 m (4,180 ft)550.67 m (1,806.7 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
89 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] [10]
LovageDecember 17, 1969 15:15:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3fe 37°00′24″N116°01′25″W / 37.00661°N 116.02356°W / 37.00661; -116.02356 (Lovage) 1,181 m (3,875 ft)378.05 m (1,240.3 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
16 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] [10]
Terrine-White - 1December 18, 1969 19:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9bi1 37°07′14″N116°02′08″W / 37.12044°N 116.03551°W / 37.12044; -116.03551 (Terrine-White - 1) 1,264 m (4,147 ft)461.77 m (1,515.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
38 ktVenting detected, 48 Ci (1,800 GBq) [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Terrine-Yellow - 2December 18, 1969 19:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9bi2 37°07′14″N116°01′47″W / 37.12044°N 116.0297°W / 37.12044; -116.0297 (Terrine-Yellow - 2) 1,277 m (4,190 ft)417 m (1,368 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
unknown yieldVenting detected [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Fob-Blue - 3January 23, 1970 16:30:00.21 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9iy27 37°08′26″N116°02′01″W / 37.14063°N 116.03351°W / 37.14063; -116.03351 (Fob-Blue - 3) 1,273 m (4,177 ft) + underground shaft,
weapons development
less than 20 kt [1] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Fob-Green - 1January 23, 1970 16:30:00.21 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9iv27 37°08′26″N116°02′16″W / 37.14066°N 116.03764°W / 37.14066; -116.03764 (Fob-Green - 1) 1,266 m (4,154 ft)266.7 m (875 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
8 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Fob-Red - 2January 23, 1970 16:30:00.21 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9iv24 37°08′15″N116°02′16″W / 37.13737°N 116.03765°W / 37.13737; -116.03765 (Fob-Red - 2) 1,263 m (4,144 ft) + underground shaft,
weapons development
less than 20 kt [1] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
AjoJanuary 30, 1970 17:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3gd 37°01′51″N116°02′08″W / 37.03079°N 116.03562°W / 37.03079; -116.03562 (Ajo) 1,191 m (3,907 ft)304.11 m (997.7 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
20 kt [1] [4] [5] [6] [7]
BelenFebruary 4, 1970 17:00:00.07 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3br 37°03′18″N116°02′23″W / 37.05497°N 116.03971°W / 37.05497; -116.03971 (Belen) 1,206 m (3,957 ft)420.8 m (1,381 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
97 kt [1] [6] [7] [10] [11]
Grape BFebruary 4, 1970 17:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U7v 37°05′53″N116°01′39″W / 37.09804°N 116.02737°W / 37.09804; -116.02737 (Grape B) 1,269 m (4,163 ft)554.46 m (1,819.1 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
120 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] [10]
LabisFebruary 5, 1970 15:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U10an 37°09′50″N116°02′23″W / 37.16392°N 116.0397°W / 37.16392; -116.0397 (Labis) 1,286 m (4,219 ft)441.96 m (1,450.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
25 kt [1] [5] [6] [7]
Diana MistFebruary 11, 1970 19:15:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U12n.06 37°12′04″N116°12′22″W / 37.20123°N 116.2061°W / 37.20123; -116.2061 (Diana Mist) 2,229 m (7,313 ft)402.02 m (1,319.0 ft)tunnel,
weapon effect
12 kt [1] [4] [6] [7] [10]
CumarinFebruary 25, 1970 14:28:38.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3gz 37°02′12″N116°00′00″W / 37.03655°N 116.00013°W / 37.03655; -116.00013 (Cumarin) 1,206 m (3,957 ft)408.51 m (1,340.3 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
51 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] [10]
Yannigan-Blue - 2February 26, 1970 15:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2ay3 37°06′50″N116°04′00″W / 37.11375°N 116.06664°W / 37.11375; -116.06664 (Yannigan-Blue - 2) 1,258 m (4,127 ft)394 m (1,293 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
20 ktVenting detected [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Yannigan-Red - 1February 26, 1970 15:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2ay1 37°06′59″N116°03′44″W / 37.11631°N 116.06232°W / 37.11631; -116.06232 (Yannigan-Red - 1) 1,258 m (4,127 ft)388.62 m (1,275.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
70 ktVenting detected, 320 Ci (12,000 GBq) [1] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Yannigan-White - 3February 26, 1970 15:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2ay2 37°07′05″N116°04′01″W / 37.11793°N 116.06708°W / 37.11793; -116.06708 (Yannigan-White - 3) 1,261 m (4,137 ft)363 m (1,191 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
30 ktVenting detected [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11] Simultaneous, separate holes.
CyathusMarch 6, 1970 14:24:00.94 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U8b 37°10′23″N116°05′34″W / 37.17311°N 116.09266°W / 37.17311; -116.09266 (Cyathus) 1,353 m (4,439 ft)289.56 m (950.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
8.7 ktVenting detected, less than 46 Ci (1,700 GBq) [1] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Arabis-Blue - 3March 6, 1970 15:00:00.21 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9itsz26 37°08′22″N116°02′16″W / 37.13956°N 116.03764°W / 37.13956; -116.03764 (Arabis-Blue - 3) 1,265 m (4,150 ft) + underground shaft,
safety experiment
less than 20 kt [1] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Arabis-Green - 2March 6, 1970 15:00:00.21 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9itsx28 37°08′30″N116°02′06″W / 37.14174°N 116.03488°W / 37.14174; -116.03488 (Arabis-Green - 2) 1,270 m (4,170 ft) + underground shaft,
weapons development
less than 20 kt [1] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Arabis-Red - 1March 6, 1970 15:00:00.21 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9itsv26 37°08′22″N116°01′56″W / 37.13955°N 116.03218°W / 37.13955; -116.03218 (Arabis-Red - 1) 1,276 m (4,186 ft)249.94 m (820.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
3.5 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
JalMarch 19, 1970 14:03:30.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3hh 37°00′04″N116°01′25″W / 37.00104°N 116.02359°W / 37.00104; -116.02359 (Jal) 1,178 m (3,865 ft)301.39 m (988.8 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
6 kt [1] [4] [5] [6] [7]
ShaperMarch 23, 1970 23:05:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U7r 37°05′10″N116°01′19″W / 37.08618°N 116.02198°W / 37.08618; -116.02198 (Shaper) 1,252 m (4,108 ft)560.44 m (1,838.7 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
89 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] [10]
HandleyMarch 26, 1970 19:00:00.2 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U20m 37°18′02″N116°32′06″W / 37.30042°N 116.535°W / 37.30042; -116.535 (Handley) 1,772 m (5,814 ft)1,209.14 m (3,967.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
1.9 Mt [1] [4] [5] [6] [7]
SnubberApril 21, 1970 14:30:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ev2s 37°03′16″N115°59′21″W / 37.05451°N 115.98926°W / 37.05451; -115.98926 (Snubber) 1,253 m (4,111 ft)343.5 m (1,127 ft)underground shaft,
weapon effect
12.7 ktVenting detected off site, 55 kCi (2,000 TBq) [1] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Can-Green - 1April 21, 1970 15:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2dd1 37°06′44″N116°04′58″W / 37.11236°N 116.08281°W / 37.11236; -116.08281 (Can-Green - 1) 1,266 m (4,154 ft)274.32 m (900.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
20 kt [1] [4] [5] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Can-Red - 2April 21, 1970 15:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2dd4 37°06′56″N116°04′52″W / 37.11554°N 116.08098°W / 37.11554; -116.08098 (Can-Red - 2) 1,268 m (4,160 ft) + underground shaft,
weapons development
20 kt [1] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
BeebalmMay 1, 1970 14:13:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3fn 37°03′33″N116°01′44″W / 37.0592°N 116.02892°W / 37.0592; -116.02892 (Beebalm) 1,209 m (3,967 ft)390.21 m (1,280.2 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
1 kt [1] [4] [6] [7] [10]
Hod-C (Blue) - 3May 1, 1970 14:25:00.0 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9iz25 37°08′18″N116°01′56″W / 37.13843°N 116.03216°W / 37.13843; -116.03216 (Hod-C (Blue) - 3) 1,276 m (4,186 ft) + underground shaft,
safety experiment
less than 20 kt [1] [7] [8]
Hod-A (Green) - 1May 1, 1970 14:40:00.17 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9itsx23 37°08′10″N116°02′06″W / 37.13625°N 116.03492°W / 37.13625; -116.03492 (Hod-A (Green) - 1) 1,268 m (4,160 ft)265.18 m (870.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
9 ktVenting detected on site, 1 Ci (37 GBq) [1] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Hod-B (Red) - 2May 1, 1970 14:40:00.17 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9itsx20 37°07′59″N116°02′06″W / 37.13295°N 116.03495°W / 37.13295; -116.03495 (Hod-B (Red) - 2) 1,266 m (4,154 ft)241 m (791 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
4 ktVenting detected [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11]
Mint LeafMay 5, 1970 15:30:00.17 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U12t.01 37°12′59″N116°11′04″W / 37.21649°N 116.18441°W / 37.21649; -116.18441 (Mint Leaf) 2,094 m (6,870 ft)396.24 m (1,300.0 ft)tunnel,
weapon effect
20 ktVenting detected off site, 960 kCi (36,000 TBq) [1] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Diamond DustMay 12, 1970 14:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U16a.05 37°00′37″N116°12′10″W / 37.0104°N 116.20277°W / 37.0104; -116.20277 (Diamond Dust) 1,899 m (6,230 ft)221.89 m (728.0 ft)tunnel,
joint verification
less than 20 ktVenting detected, 5 Ci (180 GBq) [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] Designed to test detection of underground nuclear tests; see Vela Uniform.
Cornice-Green - 2May 15, 1970 13:30:00.17 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U10ap3 37°09′43″N116°02′23″W / 37.16186°N 116.03981°W / 37.16186; -116.03981 (Cornice-Green - 2) 1,286 m (4,219 ft) + underground shaft,
weapons development
40 kt [1] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Cornice-Yellow - 1May 15, 1970 13:30:00.17 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U10ap1 37°09′57″N116°02′11″W / 37.16588°N 116.03636°W / 37.16588; -116.03636 (Cornice-Yellow - 1) 1,293 m (4,242 ft)390.14 m (1,280.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
45 kt [1] [4] [5] [6] [7] Simultaneous, separate holes.
ManzanasMay 21, 1970 14:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3gr 37°00′44″N115°59′34″W / 37.01214°N 115.99265°W / 37.01214; -115.99265 (Manzanas) 1,194 m (3,917 ft)240.65 m (789.5 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
1 ktVenting detected on site, less than 0.2 Ci (7.4 GBq) [1] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9]
MorronesMay 21, 1970 14:15:00.03 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U3ei 37°04′15″N116°00′50″W / 37.07076°N 116.01387°W / 37.07076; -116.01387 (Morrones) 1,237 m (4,058 ft)482.72 m (1,583.7 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
29 kt [1] [6] [7] [10]
Hudson MoonMay 26, 1970 14:16:00.17 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U12e.12 37°10′57″N116°12′51″W / 37.18256°N 116.21427°W / 37.18256; -116.21427 (Hudson Moon) 2,274 m (7,461 ft)422.45 m (1,386.0 ft)tunnel,
weapon effect
9 ktVenting detected on site, 1.3 kCi (48 TBq) [1] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Flask-Green - 1May 26, 1970 15:00:00.05 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2az1 37°06′48″N116°03′49″W / 37.11336°N 116.06354°W / 37.11336; -116.06354 (Flask-Green - 1) 1,251 m (4,104 ft)529 m (1,736 ft)underground shaft,
peaceful research
105 ktVenting detected, 63 Ci (2,300 GBq) [1] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] Simultaneous, Separate holes. Project Plowshare – develop clean devices for hard rock excavation.
Flask-Red - 3May 26, 1970 15:00:00.05 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2az3 37°06′58″N116°04′03″W / 37.11615°N 116.06757°W / 37.11615; -116.06757 (Flask-Red - 3) 1,259 m (4,131 ft)152.4 m (500 ft)underground shaft,
peaceful research
35 tVenting detected [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] Simultaneous, Separate holes. Project Plowshare – develop clean devices for hard rock excavation.
Flask-Yellow - 2May 26, 1970 15:00:00.05 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2az2 37°07′05″N116°03′49″W / 37.11799°N 116.06364°W / 37.11799; -116.06364 (Flask-Yellow - 2) 1,259 m (4,131 ft)335 m (1,099 ft)underground shaft,
peaceful research
90 tVenting detected [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] Simultaneous, Separate holes. Project Plowshare – develop clean devices for hard rock excavation.
Piton CMay 28, 1970 11:45:00.2 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9itsaa2 37°08′18″N116°01′51″W / 37.13842°N 116.03079°W / 37.13842; -116.03079 (Piton C) 1,279 m (4,196 ft)100.58 m (330.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
2.5 ktVenting detected on site, 25 kCi (920 TBq) [1] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Piton - 1May 28, 1970 12:00:00.164 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9itsy30 37°08′38″N116°02′01″W / 37.14393°N 116.03349°W / 37.14393; -116.03349 (Piton - 1) 1,274 m (4,180 ft)236.22 m (775.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
800 tVenting detected on site, more than 10 Ci (370 GBq) [1] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Piton - 2May 28, 1970 12:00:00.164 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U9itsx27 37°08′26″N116°02′06″W / 37.14056°N 116.03497°W / 37.14056; -116.03497 (Piton - 2) 1,270 m (4,170 ft) + underground shaft,
weapons development
less than 20 ktVenting detected on site [1] [6] [7] [8] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Arnica-Violet - 2June 26, 1970 13:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2dd3 37°07′02″N116°05′06″W / 37.11716°N 116.08495°W / 37.11716; -116.08495 (Arnica-Violet - 2) 1,272 m (4,173 ft)264 m (866 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
2 ktVenting detected, 73 Ci (2,700 GBq) [1] [6] [7] [8] [9] [11] Simultaneous, separate holes.
Arnica-Yellow - 1June 26, 1970 13:00:00.04 PST (–8 hrs)
NTS Area U2dd2 37°06′50″N116°05′14″W / 37.11391°N 116.08709°W / 37.11391; -116.08709 (Arnica-Yellow - 1) 1,270 m (4,170 ft)309.37 m (1,015.0 ft)underground shaft,
weapons development
3.5 kt [1] [5] [6] [7] [8] Simultaneous, separate holes.
  1. A bomb test may be a salvo test, defined as two or more explosions "where a period of time between successive individual explosions does not exceed 5 seconds and where the burial points of all explosive devices can be connected by segments of straight lines, each of them connecting two burial points and does not exceed 40 kilometers in length". [2]
  2. The US, France and Great Britain have code-named their test events, while the USSR and China did not, and therefore have only test numbers (with some exceptions Soviet peaceful explosions were named). Word translations into English in parentheses unless the name is a proper noun. A dash followed by a number indicates a member of a salvo event. The US also sometimes named the individual explosions in such a salvo test, which results in "name1 1(with name2)". If test is canceled or aborted, then the row data like date and location discloses the intended plans, where known.
  3. To convert the UT time into standard local, add the number of hours in parentheses to the UT time; for local daylight saving time, add one additional hour. If the result is earlier than 00:00, add 24 hours and subtract 1 from the day; if it is 24:00 or later, subtract 24 hours and add 1 to the day. Historical time zone data obtained from the IANA time zone database.
  4. Rough place name and a latitude/longitude reference; for rocket-carried tests, the launch location is specified before the detonation location, if known. Some locations are extremely accurate; others (like airdrops and space blasts) may be quite inaccurate. "~" indicates a likely pro-forma rough location, shared with other tests in that same area.
  5. Elevation is the ground level at the point directly below the explosion relative to sea level; height is the additional distance added or subtracted by tower, balloon, shaft, tunnel, air drop or other contrivance. For rocket bursts the ground level is "N/A". In some cases it is not clear if the height is absolute or relative to ground, for example, Plumbbob/John. No number or units indicates the value is unknown, while "0" means zero. Sorting on this column is by elevation and height added together.
  6. Atmospheric, airdrop, balloon, gun, cruise missile, rocket, surface, tower, and barge are all disallowed by the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Sealed shaft and tunnel are underground, and remained useful under the PTBT. Intentional cratering tests are borderline; they occurred under the treaty, were sometimes protested, and generally overlooked if the test was declared to be a peaceful use.
  7. Include weapons development, weapon effects, safety test, transport safety test, war, science, joint verification and industrial/peaceful, which may be further broken down.
  8. Designations for test items where known, "?" indicates some uncertainty about the preceding value, nicknames for particular devices in quotes. This category of information is often not officially disclosed.
  9. Estimated energy yield in tons, kilotons, and megatons. A ton of TNT equivalent is defined as 4.184 gigajoules (1 gigacalorie).
  10. Radioactive emission to the atmosphere aside from prompt neutrons, where known. The measured species is only iodine-131 if mentioned, otherwise it is all species. No entry means unknown, probably none if underground and "all" if not; otherwise notation for whether measured on the site only or off the site, where known, and the measured amount of radioactivity released.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Tinderbox</span> Series of 1970s and 1980s US nuclear tests

Operation Tinderbox was a series of 14 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1979–1980 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Quicksilver series and preceded the Operation Guardian series.

Operation Guardian was a series of 14 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1980–1981 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Tinderbox series and preceded the Operation Praetorian series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Storax</span> Series of 1960s US nuclear tests

Operation Storax was a series of 47 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1962–1963 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Fishbowl series and preceded the Operation Roller Coaster series.

The United States's Niblick nuclear test series was a group of 41 nuclear tests conducted in 1963–1964. These tests followed the Operation Roller Coaster series and preceded the Operation Whetstone series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Bowline</span> Series of 1960s US nuclear tests

The United States's Bowline nuclear test series was a group of 47 nuclear tests conducted in 1968–1969. These tests followed the Operation Crosstie series and preceded the Operation Mandrel series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Emery</span> Series of 1970s US nuclear tests

The United States's Emery nuclear test series was a group of 16 nuclear weapons tests conducted in 1970 and 1971. These tests followed the Operation Mandrel series and preceded the Operation Grommet series.

Operation Quicksilver was a series of 16 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1978–1979 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Cresset series and preceded the Operation Tinderbox series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Sunbeam</span> Series of 1960s US nuclear tests

Operation Sunbeam was a series of four nuclear tests conducted at the United States's Nevada Test Site in 1962. Operation Sunbeam tested tactical nuclear warheads; the most notable was the Davy Crockett.

The United States's Praetorian nuclear test series was a group of 19 nuclear tests conducted in 1981–1982. These tests followed the Operation Guardian series and preceded the Operation Phalanx series.

The United States's Phalanx nuclear test series was a group of 18 nuclear tests conducted in 1982–1983. These tests followed the Operation Praetorian series and preceded the Operation Fusileer series.

Operation Fusileer was a series of 16 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1983–1984 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Phalanx series and preceded the Operation Grenadier series.

Operation Grenadier was a series of 16 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1984–1985 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Fusileer series and preceded the Operation Charioteer series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Charioteer</span> Series of 1980s US nuclear tests

Operation Charioteer was a series of 16 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1985–1986 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Grenadier series and preceded the Operation Musketeer series.

The United States's Musketeer nuclear test series was a group of 14 nuclear tests conducted in 1986–1987. These tests followed the Operation Charioteer series and preceded the Operation Touchstone series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Touchstone</span> Series of 1980s US nuclear tests

The United States's Touchstone nuclear test series was a group of 13 nuclear tests conducted in 1987–1988. These tests followed the Operation Musketeer series and preceded the Operation Cornerstone series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Grommet</span> Series of 1970s US nuclear tests

The United States's Grommet nuclear test series was a group of 34 nuclear tests conducted in 1971–1972. These tests followed the Operation Emery series and preceded the Operation Toggle series.

The United States's Arbor nuclear test series was a group of 18 nuclear tests conducted in 1973–1974. These tests followed the Operation Toggle series and preceded the Operation Bedrock series.

The United States's Cresset nuclear test series was a group of 22 nuclear tests conducted in 1977–1978. These tests followed the Operation Fulcrum series and preceded the Operation Quicksilver series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Anvil (nuclear test)</span> Series of 1970s US nuclear tests

Operation Anvil was a series of 21 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1975–1976 at the Nevada Test Site. These tests followed the Operation Bedrock series and preceded the Operation Fulcrum series.

Operation Roller Coaster was a series of four nuclear tests conducted jointly by the United States and the United Kingdom in 1963, at the Nevada Test Site. The tests did not involve the detonation of any nuclear weapons. Instead, their purpose was to evaluate the distribution of radioactive particles in a "dirty bomb" scenario, or an inadvertent, non-nuclear detonation of a nuclear weapon, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of storage structures in containing the explosion and the particles released. The tests followed the Operation Storax series and preceded the Operation Niblick series.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 Yang, Xiaoping; North, Robert; Romney, Carl (August 2000), CMR Nuclear Explosion Database (Revision 3), SMDC Monitoring Research
  2. V. N. Mikhailov (ed.). "Catalog of World Wide Nuclear Testing". Begell-Atom, LLC. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014.
  3. "Time Zone Historical Database". iana.com. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Norris, Robert Standish; Cochran, Thomas B. (February 1, 1994), "United States nuclear tests, July 1945 to 31 December 1992 (NWD 94-1)" (PDF), Nuclear Weapons Databook Working Paper, Washington, DC: Natural Resources Defense Council, archived from the original (PDF) on October 29, 2013, retrieved October 26, 2013
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Bolt, Bruce A. (1976), Nuclear Explosions and Earthquakes: The Parted Veil, San Francisco, CA: W.H. Freeman and Co.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 Official list of underground nuclear explosions, Sandia National Laboratories, July 1, 1994, retrieved December 18, 2013
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 United States Nuclear Tests: July 1945 through September 1992 (PDF) (DOE/NV-209 REV15), Las Vegas, NV: Department of Energy, Nevada Operations Office, December 1, 2000, archived from the original (PDF) on October 12, 2006, retrieved December 18, 2013
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Estimated exposures and thyroid doses received by the American people from Iodine-131 in fallout following Nevada atmospheric nuclear bomb tests, Chapter 2 (PDF), National Cancer Institute, 1997, archived from the original (PDF) on December 21, 2010, retrieved January 5, 2014
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Radiological Effluents Released from U.S. Continental Tests 1961 Through 1992 (DOE/NV-317 Rev. 1) (PDF), DOE Nevada Operations Office, August 1996, archived from the original (PDF) on November 3, 2013, retrieved October 31, 2013
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Hechanova, Anthony E.; O'Donnell, James E. (September 25, 1998), Estimates of yield for nuclear tests impacting the groundwater at the Nevada Test Site, Nuclear Science and Technology Division
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Operation Argus, 1958 (DNA6039F), Washington, DC: Defense Nuclear Agency, Department of Defense, 1982, retrieved November 26, 2013