Air-burst Explosions
The term hypocenter also refers to the point on the Earth's surface directly below an atmospheric explosion. In principle, it applies to any such explosion but the term was not found to be necessary until the advent of massive nuclear explosions. In this context, the term 'ground zero' was synonymous with hypocenter, though the ground zero term is less precise, as it has been used ever more loosely.
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Famous quotes containing the word explosions:
“Our Lamaze instructor . . . assured our class . . . that our cervix muscles would become “naturally numb” as they swelled and stretched, and deep breathing would turn the final explosions of pain into “manageable discomfort.” This descriptions turned out to be as accurate as, say a steward advising passengers aboard the Titanic to prepare for a brisk but bracing swim.”
—Mary Kay Blakely (20th century)