What is considered the best nuclear burst for maximum radiation effect?

An air burst is considered the best configuration for achieving maximum radiation effect from a nuclear detonation. This is due to the altitude at which the explosion occurs, allowing the initial nuclear radiation—including gamma rays and neutron radiation—to spread over a wider area before it interacts with the ground or other structures.

When the explosion occurs in the air, the radiological fallout patterns are also significantly influenced. An air burst maximizes the radiation exposure to personnel and assets without the immediate shielding effect that the Earth's surface provides in ground or subsurface bursts. Ground and surface bursts, while potentially more devastating in terms of physical destruction and fallout, do not distribute the initial radiation as effectively as an air burst does, which is key for maximizing the immediate radiation effects on a broader scale.

In summary, the air burst configuration provides an optimal balance of range and intensity of initial radiation, making it the most effective option for maximizing radiation effects.