US Nuclear Gas Experiment Yields Radioactive Methane After 1967 Underground Detonation

Historical records reveal that a 1967 US underground nuclear test in New Mexico was conducted to stimulate natural gas extraction, producing 213 million cubic feet of highly radioactive gas before the program was terminated.

2 Sept, 11:30 — 2 Sept, 11:30

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Times of IndiaMostly Factual4h ago

US nuclear gas experiment produced 213m cubic feet, but gas was radioactive

In 1967, the US detonated a 29-kiloton nuclear device 4,227 feet underground in New Mexico to boost natural gas production. Five tests produced 213 million cubic feet of gas, but it contained measurable radioactivity. The experiment was later ended, the site cleaned up, and radioactive contamination remains underground in the blast zone.

By TOI SCIENCE DESK

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US Nuclear Gas Experiment Yields Radioactive Methane After 1967 Underground Detonation

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US nuclear gas experiment produced 213m cubic feet, but gas was radioactive

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