1987/03/01 by Brian Bush, R. D. Small · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Environmental Science · #Nuclear Issues and Defense #Radioactive contamination and transfer #Fire effects on ecosystems
paper · doi:10.1080/00102208708952566
openalex publication_date 1987/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/07
Smoke produced from the ignition and burning of live vegetation by nuclear explosions has been suggested as a major contributor to a possible nuclear winter. In this paper, we consider the mechanics of live vegetation ignition by a finite-radius nuclear fireball. For specified plant properties, the amount of fireball radiation absorbed by a plant community is calculated as a function of depth into the stand and range from the fireball. The spectral regions of plant energy absorption and the overlap with the emitted fireball thermal spectra are discussed. A simple model for the plant response to the imposed thermal load is developed. First, the temperature is raised; the change depends on the leaf structure, moisture content, and plant canopy. Subsequent energy deposition desiccates the plant and finally raises its temperature to the threshold ignition limit. Results show the development of a variable depth ignition zone. Close to the fireball, ignition of the entire plant occurs. At greater distances (several fireball radii) portions of the plant are only partially desiccated, and sustained burning is less probable. Far from the burst, the top of the stand is weakly heated, and only a small transient temperature change results. An estimate of the smoke produced by an exchange involving the U.S. missile fields shows that the burning of live vegetation only slightly increases the total nonurban smoke production.