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In defense of their scheme, the Miami scientists point to a recent study of the seismic effects of 21 underground nuclear tests staged by the Atomic Energy Commission in Nevada, a highly quake-prone region. Though each blast was followed by countless small aftershocks, none reached quake proportions and all were substantially weaker than the original explosion. The AEC is convinced that there is little risk in conducting such tests. It plans to follow up its recent controversial detonation of a 1.2 megaton H-bomb on Amchitka Island in the Aleutians, another major quake zone, with more powerful underground blasts. To the dismay of scientists, however, these explosions are designed by the AEC not for such peaceful purposes as quake control but only to test new military weapons.