Weapon Impact Map

The map visualises the four main zones of destruction from a nuclear detonation: the fireball (total vaporisation), the heavy blast zone (reinforced buildings destroyed), the moderate blast zone (residential buildings destroyed), and the thermal radiation zone (third-degree burns). Sizes are calculated from declassified nuclear weapons effects research.

The fireball is the initial superheated plasma sphere that reaches millions of degrees. Everything within this radius is instantly vaporised. For a 15-kiloton bomb (Hiroshima-scale), the fireball radius is roughly 200–300 metres.

The air blast is the pressure wave expanding outward from the detonation. The heavy blast zone (overpressure ~20 psi) destroys reinforced concrete buildings. The moderate blast zone (~5 psi) collapses residential structures. Further out, the light blast zone (~1 psi) shatters windows and causes injuries from flying glass.

Thermal radiation is the intense heat flash emitted in the first seconds. It causes fires and severe burns at distances far beyond the blast wave. A 1-megaton detonation can cause third-degree burns up to 10km away on a clear day. Thermal effects are blocked by buildings, hills, and even clothing.

The tool uses established nuclear effects models (based on research like the Glasstone and Dolan “Effects of Nuclear Weapons” reference). It is a reasonable educational approximation — actual effects vary with altitude, terrain, weather, and building density.

Yes. This is a public awareness and educational visualiser, similar to tools produced by academic institutions and nonproliferation organisations. Understanding nuclear weapon effects is widely considered important for informed public discourse on nuclear policy and deterrence.