What is an effect of a high altitude air burst?

A high altitude air burst, which occurs when a nuclear weapon explodes at a significant altitude above the ground, primarily creates an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and causes disruptions in the ionosphere. This phenomenon is the result of the explosion generating intense radiation that interacts with the Earth's magnetic field, leading to a powerful EMP capable of affecting electronic devices and infrastructure over a wide area. Additionally, the effects on the ionosphere can impact communication systems that rely on radio waves, creating disturbances that could affect global navigation and radio communications.

Other effects, such as localized flooding, smoke and toxic gas release, or increased wildlife activity, are not associated with the distinct characteristics of high altitude air bursts. These effects are more related to ground-level explosions or different environmental phenomena rather than the specific consequences of a nuclear detonation at high altitude.