Page 37 - MILITARY-STUDIES-2

Module - V Nuclear Warfare

Warfare and
Its Types
Intext Questions 12.2

1. TREE stands for _________________________

2. Name any two types of radiations.

Note 12.4 Effects of Nuclear Explosion

Understanding the major effects of the nuclear explosion helps us to prepare better if
an attack should occur. The effects of flash, heat, blast and radiation depends on the
size and type of weapon, the weather conditions (sunny or rainy, windy or still); the
terrain and height of explosion. In a nuclear attack, most of the people within a few km
of the explosion will be killed or seriously injured by the blast, heat or initial radiation.
Similarly, all the other natural and manmade structures will be either completely or
almost destroyed. Let us see the effects of Flash, Heat and Blast that occurs from a
nuclear explosion.

12.4.1 Flash Effects

• Dazzle: The intense flash from a nuclear burst can affect vision at long ranges

due to dazzle and eye damage. Dazzle, (sometimes called 'flash blindness') is a
temporary loss of vision resulting from the brightness of the visible burst. It will
only be of significance to personnel unaffected by other nuclear effects. As a
guide, in daylight only those facing the burst are likely to be dazzled for about
two minutes. At night, dazzle will affect those facing the burst for about 10
minutes and those facing away for about three minutes.
• Eye Damage: Retinal burns occur when the eye lens focuses the fireball image
on to the retina. Shallow burns heal completely. Deep burns lead to permanent
blind spots. However, sight is not normally lost completely.

12.4.2 Heat or Thermal Effects

Heat is a principal casualty producing effect. It is likely that some 50% of nuclear
weapons casualties will suffer burns: -
(a) To exposed skin unprotected from the thermal pulse.

(b) From charred or burnt clothing and/or local fires.
• Degree of Burns in Personnel :-

• First Degree- involve the top layer of skin.
• Second Degree- involve the first two layers of skin.
• Third Degree - involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue

damage

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MILITARY STUDIES