earthbursts

An earthburst is a type of explosion that occurs when a bomb or other explosive device detonates beneath the surface of the ground. The depth of the detonation relative to the ground surface significantly influences the effects of the explosion. A shallow earthburst, where the explosive is close to or at the surface, will result in a significant crater and a large amount of ejecta thrown into the atmosphere. This type of detonation is often used to create craters for demolition or to disrupt enemy positions.

As the depth of the earthburst increases, the crater size decreases, and the amount of ejecta diminishes. Instead, more of the explosive energy is directed downwards and sideways into the surrounding soil and rock. This can cause localized ground shaking, seismic waves, and the potential for underground structures to be damaged or collapsed. Very deep earthbursts, sometimes referred to as deep buried explosions, can contain most of the blast energy underground, minimizing surface effects but potentially causing significant subterranean damage. The soil type and geological conditions also play a crucial role in how an earthburst propagates and its overall impact. The study of earthbursts is important in fields such as military engineering, seismology, and understanding the effects of underground nuclear testing.