Nuclear decay post-detonation

From: AA Institute (abdul.ahad_at_ntlworld.com)
Date: 09/28/04 

Date: 28 Sep 2004 07:49:04 -0700

I'd like to know what options there are for ensuring that a nuclear
missile doesn't leave the site where it's detonated radioactive after
the blast.
I think with conventional ICBMs the ground where they impact will be
left radioactive for decades (if not longer), due to the long half
lives of the the nuclear materials.

So is it possible to build a nuclear warhead with a shorter half-life
so that it doesn't leave too much radioactivity in its aftermath, but
without compromising its destructive force?

PS: This is a just a *scientific*, educational, exploratory research
question... don't think too much of my plans with this please!

Thanks
AAI

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