Media General News Service October 09, 2006
Answers about 'the bomb'
Bush seeks rapid global response to N. Korea's nuclear test claims, wants UN council involved, but hints forceful U.S. action might follow
Compiled by James W. Crawley
WASHINGTON - As nuclear experts try to confirm whether North Korea tested a nuclear weapon Monday, we track down the answers to some questions about the bomb test.
Where was the test?
-- North Hamgyung province in northeastern North Korea.
Is there any chance of radioactive fallout?
-- Unlikely. The explosion was underground.
How was it detected?
-- The North Koreans announced the test and the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a "seismic event" of 4.2 on the Richter scale. Underground nuclear explosions are detectable by seismographs.
How big was the blast?
-- The exact size may never be known. Various reports indicate the explosive yield measured about 500 tons of TNT, but some say it could be as much as 15 kilotons. A kiloton is the explosive force of a thousand tons of TNT. It's hard to pinpoint the exact yield because a nuclear blast can be muffled by exploding it inside a large underground cavity.
How does the North Korean bomb compare with the one dropped on Hiroshima?
-- The atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima Aug. 6, 1945, was equivalent to about 15 kilotons of TNT.
How does that compare with current U.S. nuclear weapons?
-- Generally, U.S. ballistic missile warheads range from about 100 kilotons to 475 kilotons.
What kind of blast damage would a 1-kiloton atomic bomb cause if detonated in a U.S. city?
-- Substantial but in a small area. Using the Federation of American Scientists' online nuclear weapon effects calculator, a 1-kiloton explosion in front of the White House would destroy several blocks and kill thousands, but severe damage would not reach the Capitol or Lincoln Memorial.
Who has the most to worry about North Korea having "the bomb?"
-- Japan, says military analyst John Pike of GlobalSecurity.org. Japan is within range of North Korean missiles. The only nation ever attacked by atomic bombs, Japan has refused to maintain a large military or possess nuclear weapons. If threatened by a hostile North Korea with A-bombs, Japan might build up its military, he said.
What other nations have nuclear weapons?
-- The "Nuclear Club" includes the United States, Russia, Great Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan and, if confirmed, North Korea. Israel may possess nuclear weapons.
What countries might build nuclear weapons in coming years?
-- The big worry is Iran. Iranian officials say its nuclear program is peaceful, but U.S. officials say it could be used for military purposes.
Can the U.S. bomb North Korean weapons sites?
-- Yes, but many are buried deep underground -- impervious to conventional bombs and missiles.
Could North Korea launch a nuclear-tipped missile at the United States?
-- Maybe or maybe not. It's doubtful the Koreans have a small enough weapon to fit on a long-range missile. But GlobalSecurity.org's Pike said there's a simpler method of delivery: load nukes on short-range missiles placed aboard small ships and launch them at American cities from offshore.
Sources: Associated Press, GlobalSecurity.org, Federation of American Scientists, U.S. Geological Survey, CIA World Factbook, National Nuclear Security Administration.
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