What would be the immediate effects of a thermonuclear blast?
The point at which a nuclear blast occurs is noted as the ground zero point of the blast. Upon detonation temperatures equaling the surface temp of the Sun will be felt at ground zero. This high temperature point will immediately begin to heat the surrounding area up to several miles. Depending on distance to ground zero, a variety of objects will catch file and or melt from the heat. As one moves away from ground zero the heat effects will dissipate. After initial detonation and heat effects, a blast wave of highly radioactive dust and debris will move out from the ground zero point at speeds several times that of hurricane force winds. It is this radioactive debris storm that will cause the majority of structural damage and casualties in a nuclear attack. The blast wave, depending on the size of the weapon used, may be felt for several miles. Immediate blast effects seen at a distance – French Canopus Test – Fangataufa Atoll, South Pacific, 1968. 2.6 Megatons.
