Damage Zones After a Nuclear Detonation &
"Zoned Approach" to the Response^*

• The pattern of damage caused by a nuclear detonation can be predicted by computer modeling
  • The closer to ground zero, the more severe the expected physical damage on the ground and the greater the expected levels of radiation.
  • Among the factors influencing the amount and pattern of damage and radiation include
    • Yield of the burst (kT)
    • Height of burst
    • Nature of the device
    • Topography of the land
    • Composition of structures on the ground
    • Weather
• Three concentric physical Damage Zones have been described corresponding the amount and type of physical destruction
  • Severe Damage Zone (closest to ground zero)
  • Moderate Damage Zone
  • Light Damage Zone (farthest away from ground zero)
  
  See "idealized" maps of these 3 Damage Zones
• It is important to note that
  • These zones describe anticipated physical damage
  • Actual damage zones are unlikely to be this symmetrical.
  • The transition between zones is likely to be more gradual
  • Radiation levels are also high within these zones
• Two Radiation Zones have been also been described that will be important to responders and victims
  • Dangerous Fallout Zone: bounded by the >10 R/hour line.
  • The "0.01 R/h Boundary": also called the "Hot Zone" by NCRP 165 and others
  • These zones extend from inside the Damage Zones to many miles outside the zones, with a shape and area dependent on the yield of the detonation and the wind.
  • See illustration of the footprints of these zones with changes over 48 hours
• Why are these zones important?
  • After a nuclear detonation, response leaders will use the "zoned approach" to organize and direct activities to the appropriate areas in order to maximize the
    • Safety of responders
    • Effectiveness of responder activities
    • Save the maximum number of lives
  • See table describing the "zoned approach" to responses and activities in each zone.
• The Radiation Triage, Treat, Transport System (RTR) has been proposed for the organizing and locating venues for the medical response
  • RTR builds upon both the Damage Zones and the Radiation Zones
  • See illustration of RTR

* Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation, Second edition, 6/2010 (PDF - 2.62 MB) (National Security Staff, Interagency Policy Coordination Subcommittee for Preparedness & Response to Radiological and Nuclear Threats)