What Is An EMP?
An
electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a sudden burst of electromagnetic
radiation that usually comes because of another type of explosion. It
takes place because the magnetic fields and electric fields are abruptly
changed causing surges in volts and currents. It was discovered when
nuclear bombs were being tested, but no one really knew the significance
of the EMP. Scientists only noticed that after a test bomb went off,
it seemed to damage recording devices and other instruments. It wasn’t
until the early 1980’s that scientists understood the cause and effect
of the EMP that was created when there was a bomb blast.
Fast forwarding 30 years, the EMP value as a weapon in its’ own right
has come into being. Scientists have discovered ways to use the EMP to
strategically strike sources of electrical power, computers and
communication devices thereby crippling the infrastructure of an enemy’s
homeland. There is virtually no way to protect against this type of
attack. Five basic components have to be in order for it to be
successful:
1. The weapon must be at a certain altitude when detonated to cause an EMP.
2. The size of the weapon that is detonated will determine the amount of damage caused by the EMP.
3. The distance from the weapon when it is detonated.
4. Geographical features of the target area.
5. The target areas magnetic field strength.
Essentially, for the EMP damage to successfully take place requires
perfect storm conditions. A nuclear bomb is exploded in outer space and
the subsequent explosive effects are what cause the damage done by the
EMP. Instead of destroying the targeted enemy by direct nuclear force,
the enemy is being crippled by destroying their means to communicate and
function with modern devices that require electricity to function.
Using EMP’s as a weapon is a new and imperfect way to wage war. It is
complex and confusing to the general public and not that well understood
by various nations’ leaders. It doesn’t create loss of life but
creates loss of the way of life. It is more humane than Nagasaki and
Hiroshima, but could be equally as devastating if it knocks out the
ability to function as a country. Naysayers argue that it will never
happen because it is too imperfect and those who caution about it are
scare mongers. The United States government is at work to develop
methods of protecting vulnerable electronics by shielding them from EMP
actions. Ironically, modernization of today’s electronics and
computerization has made the world more vulnerable to these types of
attacks. Equipment that used the older vacuum tube technology was much
less vulnerable.
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