Project Plowshare
Nuclear explosives are, among other things, large-scale, low-cost excavation devices. In this respect, with the proper pre-detonation study and engineering, they are ideally suited for massive earth-moving and “geological engineering” projects, including the construction of harbors and canals. The western coasts of three continents, Australia, Africa, and South America, are sparsely supplied with good harbors. A number of studies have been undertaken as to the feasibility of using nuclear explosives for digging deepwater harbors. Undoubtedly at some time in the future, these projects will be carried out.
In addition, there are many places in the world where the construction of a sea-level canal would provide shorter and safer routes for ocean shipping, expedite trade and commerce, or open up barren and unpopulated, but mineral-rich lands to settlers and profitable development. The AEC Division of Peaceful Nuclear Explosives operates a continuing program to develop engineering skills for such projects.[19] Construction of a sea-level canal across the Central American isthmus is one well-known proposal for this “Plowshare” program.
The use of nuclear explosives in this manner may one day change the very shape of the world ocean.
A New Fram
Fridtjof Nansen
Just about 70 years ago, the oceanographer and explorer, Dr. Fridtjof Nansen completed his famous voyage aboard the research vessel Fram, which remained locked in the Arctic ice pack for 3 years, drifting around the top of the world while the men aboard her studied the oceanography of the polar sea. Now the National Science Foundation has taken the first steps toward building a modern version of Fram for Arctic studies. This time the vessel will be an Arctic Drift Barge containing the best equipment modern technology can offer—including, it is proposed, a central nuclear power plant to guarantee heat and power. Scheduled for completion sometime in the 1970s, this project represents yet another use of the atom in the study of the ocean.