Nuclear Explosions Classifications

High Altitude Bursts
Air Bursts
Surface Bursts
Subsurface Bursts

High Altitude Burst

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A high altitude burst is one in which the weapon is exploded at such an altitude (above 30 km) that initial soft x-rays generated by the detonation dissipate energy as heat in a much larger volume of air molecules. There the fireball is much larger and expands much more rapidly. The ionizing radiation from the high altitude burst can travel for hundreds of miles before being absorbed. Significant ionization of the upper atmosphere (ionosphere) can occur.

Severe disruption in communications can occur following high altitude bursts. They also lead to generation of an intense electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that can significantly degrade performance of or destroy sophisticated electronic equipment

There are no known biological effects of EMP; however, indirect effects may result from failure of critical medical equipment.

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