Underground Nuclear Explosions and the Control of Earthquakes

Abstract

Underground nuclear explosions trigger significant earthquake activity for at least 32 hours afterward and to distances up to at least 860 kilometers. The proposed Amchitka test may be used to study the feasibility of employing high-yield underground nuclear explosions to release stresses accumulating in the lithosphere. Periodical explosions along active fault zones may be used to prevent disastrous earthquakes.