are expected to land.
That is, a nominal size particle starting its
downwind drift (fall) from a height of 30,000 meters is expected to land on
the ground at the point represented by 30,000 meters on the wind vector
plot.
Similarly, a nominal size particle starting at 29,000 meters is
expected to land on the ground at a point halfway between 28,000 meters and
30,000 meters on the wind vector plot.
A line drawn from GZ through a
particular height point on the wind vector plot represents the locus of
points on which all fallout particles from that particular height are
expected to land.
Heavier particles will land closer to ground zero than
will the lighter ones, but all the particles starting from that particular
height are expected to land along this line. The plot is available at the
NBCC and is ready for use when a fallout-producing nuclear burst occurs.
1.
Field Artillery Upper Air Wind Data.
Upper air wind data for fallout prediction by tactical units are normally
obtained from division or corps field artillery meteorological sections.
These sections forward meteorological information to fire direction centers
(FDC) and to appropriate fire support coordination facilities (FSCC/FSE),
using the procedures and format established by Army Field Manuals and unit
standing operating procedures.
The network of field artillery meteorological sections in the corps sector
provides all FDC and FSCG/FSE within the corps with the: (1) average wind
speed in knots for each 2,000 meter layer above the mean altitude of the
reporting meteorological section; and (2) wind direction to the nearest 10
mils from which the winds are blowing. This data is reported in accordance
with the following heights and schedules:
a. To 30,000 meters or the bursting height of the balloon, whichever
comes first, four times daily at 0600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 hours Greenwich
Mean Time (GMT) /ZULU time. Minimum acceptable height is 24,000 meters.
b. To 18,000 meters eight times daily at 0200, 0400, 0800, 1000, 1400,
1600, 2000, and 2200 hours GMT/ZULU time.
Minimum acceptable height is
14,000 meters.
Table 2-1 shows an example of upper air wind data as it is received
from an artillery meteorological section.
The data listed in the table are transmitted to the NBCC by means of
established communication nets. Division and Army FSCC/FSE monitor this net
to obtain data directly. The FSCC/FSE relays the upper air wind data to the
NBCC.
2-3
CM5206
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