Beneath the Surface: The Intricate Science of Project GNOME's Seismic Experiments | Nuclear Testing

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Project GNOME, a pivotal component of Operation Nougat, was part of a comprehensive 45-test series conducted at the Nevada Test Site from September 15, 1961, through June 30, 1962—excluding the GNOME test itself. On December 10, 1961, the 3-kiloton GNOME test took place 1200 feet below the surface in a salt bed formation near Carlsbad, New Mexico.

This test marked a significant milestone as it comprised 48 subsurface experiments, rendering GNOME the most extensively instrumented seismic nuclear test in history. The wealth of data gathered during these experiments proved invaluable for both the Plowshare and Vela Uniform Programs.

GNOME played a pioneering role as the inaugural nuclear test within the Plowshare Program. The primary objective of the Plowshare Program was to explore the potential applications of energy generated by nuclear explosions for peaceful or civilian purposes. Concurrently, the Vela Uniform Program focused on the seismic detection, identification, and location of nuclear explosions. Ground-based instruments were utilized for detecting explosions in outer space, complemented by established satellite-based instruments.

Despite GNOME being conducted under the Plowshare umbrella, the Vela Uniform aspect aimed to discern the distinctive signals and effects generated by a 3-kiloton device detonated underground in salt beds compared to detonations of varying yields in alternative geologic formations like tuff and granite. Scientists also sought to draw comparisons between seismic signals from underground tests and those originating from natural earthquakes.

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