Which effects account for most of the energy released by a nuclear explosion?

Approximately 85 percent of the explosive energy released by a nuclear explosion is accounted for by two primary effects: air blast (and shock) and thermal radiation.1

• Air Blast and Shock: The expansion of intensely hot gases at extremely high pressures creates a shock wave that moves outward at high velocity. This wave, along with the accompanying high-velocity winds known as dynamic pressure, is responsible for the widespread structural collapse and debris damage associated with nuclear detonations.2
• Thermal Radiation: This consists of intense light and heat capable of causing severe skin burns, eye injuries, and the ignition of combustible materials at significant distances from the detonation point.3

The remaining 15 percent of the energy is released as initial radiation, which occurs within the first minute of the explosion, and residual radiation, which is emitted over a longer period as fallout.1