Abstract

This reference scenario, which forms the basis for all other articles in this issue, assumes that a nuclear war begins on a week-day in early June, 1985. The nuclear arsenals of the US and the USSR at that time are calcualted to total approximately 12 000 Mt, deployed in 55 000-60 000 tactical and strategic warheads. North America, Europe and the USSR are assumed to be the main strategic targets for these warheads, although cities, industrial and economic centers, military bases, and mineral and energy resources in some other parts of the world are also targeted. These targets would expend a total of 14 741 warheads and 5 742 Mt, of which 5 569 Mt would be exploded in the Northern Hemisphere.