This image apparently depicts a small crater associated with a shallow sub-surface detonation. The scale of the image is difficult to determine, but the numerous white objects in the foreground are apparently sand-bags or bales of some material, which suggests that the diameter of the crater is only a few meters, and certainly less than ten meters. This test area is probably associated with one of the two low yield sub-kiloton (0.6 and 0.2 kt) tests conducted on 13 May 2000, since at least one Indian scientist at the post-test press conference said these events were detonated in "a sand dune."
The overall presentation of the area is consistent with the dome-like structure referred to as a "retarc" ("crater" spelled backward), suggesting a rather shallow detonation point. As is the case with Test Area C, in contrast with other test areas there is an almost complete absence of debris associated with above-ground instrumentation or support equipment.
Photo of the site of Nuclear tests by India during May 11-13, 1998 in the Phokhran range
