scholarly journals Composition changes after the "Halloween" solar proton event: the High-Energy Particle Precipitation in the Atmosphere (HEPPA) model versus MIPAS data intercomparison study

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 9407-9514 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Funke ◽  
A. Baumgaertner ◽  
M. Calisto ◽  
T. Egorova ◽  
C. H. Jackman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Michelson Interferometer ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Solar Proton ◽  
Solar Proton Event ◽  
Proton Event ◽  
High Energy Particle ◽  
Atmospheric Models ◽  
Composition Changes

Abstract. We have compared composition changes of NO, NO2, H2O2, O3, N2O, HNO3, N2O5, HNO4, ClO, HOCl, and ClONO2 as observed by the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) on Envisat in the aftermath of the "Halloween" solar proton event (SPE) in October/November 2003 at 25–0.01 hPa in the Northern Hemisphere (40–90° N) and simulations performed by the following atmospheric models: the Bremen 2d Model (B2dM) and Bremen 3d Chemical Transport Model (B3dCTM), the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO) model, FinROSE, the Hamburg Model of the Neutral and Ionized Atmosphere (HAMMONIA), the Karlsruhe Simulation Model of the Middle Atmosphere (KASIMA), the ECHAM5/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model, the modeling tool for SOlar Climate Ozone Links studies (SOCOL and SOCOLi), and the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM4). The large number of participating models allowed for an evaluation of the overall ability of atmospheric models to reproduce observed atmospheric perturbations generated by SPEs, particularly with respect to NOy and ozone changes. We have further assessed the meteorological conditions and their implications on the chemical response to the SPE in both the models and observations by comparing temperature and tracer (CH4 and CO) fields. Simulated SPE-induced ozone losses agree on average within 5% with the observations. Simulated \\noy enhancements around 1 hPa, however, are typically 30% higher than indicated by the observations which can be partly attributed to an overestimation of simulated electron-induced ionization. The analysis of the observed and modeled NOy partitioning in the aftermath of the SPE has demonstrated the need to implement additional ion chemistry (HNO3 formation via ion-ion recombination and water cluster ions) into the chemical schemes. An overestimation of observed H2O enhancements by all models hints at an underestimation of the OH/HO2 ratio in the upper polar stratosphere during the SPE. The analysis of chlorine species perturbations has shown that the encountered differences between models and observations, particularly the underestimation of observed ClONO2 enhancements, are related to a smaller availability of ClO in the polar night region already before the SPE. In general, the intercomparison has demonstrated that differences in the meteorology and/or initial state of the atmosphere in the simulations causes a relevant variability of the model results, even on a short timescale of only a few days.

scholarly journals Composition changes after the "Halloween" solar proton event: the High Energy Particle Precipitation in the Atmosphere (HEPPA) model versus MIPAS data intercomparison study

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 9089-9139 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Funke ◽  
A. Baumgaertner ◽  
M. Calisto ◽  
T. Egorova ◽  
C. H. Jackman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Michelson Interferometer ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Solar Proton ◽  
Solar Proton Event ◽  
Proton Event ◽  
High Energy Particle ◽  
Atmospheric Models ◽  
Composition Changes

Abstract. We have compared composition changes of NO, NO2, H2O2, O3, N2O, HNO3, N2O5, HNO4, ClO, HOCl, and ClONO2 as observed by the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) on Envisat in the aftermath of the "Halloween" solar proton event (SPE) in late October 2003 at 25–0.01 hPa in the Northern Hemisphere (40–90° N) and simulations performed by the following atmospheric models: the Bremen 2-D model (B2dM) and Bremen 3-D Chemical Transport Model (B3dCTM), the Central Aerological Observatory (CAO) model, FinROSE, the Hamburg Model of the Neutral and Ionized Atmosphere (HAMMONIA), the Karlsruhe Simulation Model of the Middle Atmosphere (KASIMA), the ECHAM5/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model, the modeling tool for SOlar Climate Ozone Links studies (SOCOL and SOCOLi), and the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM4). The large number of participating models allowed for an evaluation of the overall ability of atmospheric models to reproduce observed atmospheric perturbations generated by SPEs, particularly with respect to NOy and ozone changes. We have further assessed the meteorological conditions and their implications for the chemical response to the SPE in both the models and observations by comparing temperature and tracer (CH4 and CO) fields. Simulated SPE-induced ozone losses agree on average within 5 % with the observations. Simulated NOy enhancements around 1 hPa, however, are typically 30 % higher than indicated by the observations which are likely to be related to deficiencies in the used ionization rates, though other error sources related to the models' atmospheric background state and/or transport schemes cannot be excluded. The analysis of the observed and modeled NOy partitioning in the aftermath of the SPE has demonstrated the need to implement additional ion chemistry (HNO3 formation via ion-ion recombination and water cluster ions) into the chemical schemes. An overestimation of observed H2O2 enhancements by all models hints at an underestimation of the OH/HO2 ratio in the upper polar stratosphere during the SPE. The analysis of chlorine species perturbations has shown that the encountered differences between models and observations, particularly the underestimation of observed ClONO2 enhancements, are related to a smaller availability of ClO in the polar night region already before the SPE. In general, the intercomparison has demonstrated that differences in the meteorology and/or initial state of the atmosphere in the simulations cause a relevant variability of the model results, even on a short timescale of only a few days.

scholarly journals Middle atmospheric changes caused by the January and March 2012 solar proton events

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 23251-23293 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Jackman ◽  
C. E. Randall ◽  
V. L. Harvey ◽  
S. Wang ◽  
E. L. Fleming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Michelson Interferometer ◽  
Peroxy Radical ◽  
Solar Proton ◽  
Proton Event ◽  
Neutral Atmosphere ◽  
Cycle 24 ◽  
Atmospheric Changes ◽  
D Model

Abstract. The recent 23–30 January and 7–11 March 2012 solar proton event (SPE) periods were substantial and caused significant impacts on the middle atmosphere. These were the two largest SPE periods of solar cycle 24 so far. The highly energetic solar protons produced considerable ionization of the neutral atmosphere as well as HOx (H, OH, HO2) and NOx (N, NO, NO2). We compute a NOx production of 1.9 and 2.1 Gigamoles due to these SPE periods in January and March 2012, respectively, which places these SPE periods among the 12 largest in the past 50 yr. Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) observations of the peroxy radical, HO2, show significant enhancements of > 0.9 ppbv in the northern polar mesosphere as a result of these SPE periods. Both MLS measurements and Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) two-dimensional (2-D) model predictions indicated middle mesospheric ozone decreases of > 20% for several days in the northern polar region with maximum depletions > 60% over 1–2 days as a result of the HOx produced in both the January and March 2012 SPE periods. The SCISAT-1 Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE) and the Envisat Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) instruments measured NO and NO2 (~ NOx), which indicated enhancements of over 20 ppbv in most of the northern polar mesosphere for several days as a result of these SPE periods. The GSFC 2-D model was used to predict the medium-term (~ months) influence and showed that the polar middle atmosphere ozone was most affected by these solar events in the Southern Hemisphere due to the increased downward motion in the fall and early winter. The downward transport moved the SPE-produced NOy to lower altitudes and led to predicted modest destruction of ozone (5–9%) in the upper stratosphere days to weeks after the March 2012 event. Total ozone reductions were predicted to be a maximum of 1% in 2012 due to these SPEs.

scholarly journals Middle atmospheric changes caused by the January and March 2012 solar proton events

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1025-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Jackman ◽  
C. E. Randall ◽  
V. L. Harvey ◽  
S. Wang ◽  
E. L. Fleming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Transport Model ◽  
Michelson Interferometer ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Peroxy Radical ◽  
Solar Proton ◽  
Proton Event ◽  
Neutral Atmosphere ◽  
D Model

Abstract. The recent 23–30 January and 7–11 March 2012 solar proton event (SPE) periods were substantial and caused significant impacts on the middle atmosphere. These were the two largest SPE periods of solar cycle 24 so far. The highly energetic solar protons produced considerable ionization of the neutral atmosphere as well as HOx (H, OH, HO2) and NOx (N, NO, NO2). We compute a NOx production of 1.9 and 2.1 Gigamoles due to these SPE periods in January and March 2012, respectively, which places these SPE periods among the 12 largest in the past 50 yr. Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) observations of the peroxy radical, HO2, show significant enhancements of > 0.9 ppbv in the northern polar mesosphere as a result of these SPE periods. Both MLS measurements and Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) two-dimensional (2-D) model predictions indicated middle mesospheric ozone decreases of > 20% for several days in the northern polar region with maximum depletions > 60% over 1–2 days as a result of the HOx produced in both the January and March 2012 SPE periods. The SCISAT-1 Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE) and the Envisat Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) instruments measured NO and NO2 (~ NOx), which indicated enhancements of over 20 ppbv in most of the northern polar mesosphere for several days as a result of these SPE periods. The GSFC 2-D model and the Global Modeling Initiative three-dimensional chemistry and transport model were used to predict the medium-term (~ months) influence and showed that the polar middle atmospheric ozone was most affected by these solar events in the Southern Hemisphere due to the increased downward motion in the fall and early winter. The downward transport moved the SPE-produced NOy to lower altitudes and led to predicted modest destruction of ozone (5–13%) in the upper stratosphere days to weeks after the March 2012 event. Polar total ozone reductions were predicted to be a maximum of 1.5% in 2012 due to these SPEs.

Simulating effects of the 774 AD solar proton event on atmospheric electricity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stergios Misios ◽  
Mads F. Knudsen ◽  
Christoffer Karoff
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Electricity ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Solar Proton ◽  
Solar Proton Event ◽  
Proton Event ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Global Circulation Model ◽  
Fair Weather ◽  
Particle Radiation

<p>High energy cosmic rays of galactic and solar origin, natural radioactivity, lighting in thunderstorms and electrified shower clouds, produce ion clusters and charge the whole atmosphere causing a ubiquitous potential difference between the ionosphere and the surface. This Global Electric Circuit (GEC) allows the flow of charges to the surface in the fair-weather regions of the globe. Here, we simulate the effect of highly energetic particle radiation, in particular the 774 AD solar proton event, on the GEC with the aid of the global circulation model EMAC/MESSy. The simulations assume pre-industrial atmospheric conditions and the coupling of aerosol and atmospheric electricity schemes allows for ion-ion and ion-aerosol capture reactions. We discuss effects in fair weather current and atmospheric conductivity at different latitudinal bands. </p>

scholarly journals Lifetime and production rate of NO<sub>x</sub> in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere in the polar spring/summer after the solar proton event in October–November 2003

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2531-2539 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Friederich ◽  
T. von Clarmann ◽  
B. Funke ◽  
H. Nieder ◽  
J. Orphal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polar Region ◽  
Michelson Interferometer ◽  
Solar Proton ◽  
Ion Pair ◽  
Solar Proton Event ◽  
Proton Event ◽  
Production Rates ◽  
Atmospheric Sounding ◽  
D Model ◽  
Ionization Rates

Abstract. We present altitude-dependent lifetimes of NOx, determined with MIPAS/ENVISAT (the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding/the European Environment Satellite), for the Southern polar region after the solar proton event in October–November 2003. Between 50° S and 90° S and decreasing in altitude they range from about two days at 64 km to about 20 days at 44 km. The lifetimes are controlled by transport, mixing and photochemistry. We infer estimates of dynamical lifetimes by comparison of the observed decay to photochemical lifetimes calculated with the SLIMCAT 3-D Model. Photochemical loss contributes to the observed NOx depletion by 0.1% at 44 km, increasing with altitude to 45% at 64 km. In addition, we show the correlation of modelled ionization rates and observed NOx densities under consideration of the determined lifetimes of NOx, and calculate altitude-dependent effective production rates of NOx due to ionization. For that we compare ionization rates of the AIMOS data base with the MIPAS measurements from 15 October–31 December 2003. We derive effective NOx-production rates to be applied to the AIMOS ionization rates which range from about 0.2 NOx-molecules per ion pair at 44 km to 0.7 NOx-molecules per ion pair at 62 km. These effective production rates are considerably lower than predicted by box model simulations which could hint at an overestimation of the modelled ionization rates.

scholarly journals Modelling the effects of the October 1989 solar proton event on mesospheric odd nitrogen using a detailed ion and neutral chemistry model

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 1967-1976 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. T. Verronen ◽  
E. Turunen ◽  
Th. Ulich ◽  
E. Kyrölä
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Reactions ◽  
Middle Atmosphere ◽  
Solar Proton ◽  
Solar Proton Event ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Proton Event ◽  
Chemical Production ◽  
Ion Chemistry ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Odd Nitrogen

Abstract. Solar proton events and electron precipitation affect the concentrations of middle atmospheric constituents. Ionization caused by precipitating particles enhances the production of important minor neutral constituents, such as nitric oxide, through reaction chains in which ionic reactions play an important role. The Sodankylä Ion Chemistry model (SIC) has been modified and extended into a detailed ion and neutral chemistry model of the mesosphere. Our steady-state model (containing 55 ion species, 8 neutral species, and several hundred chemical reactions) is used to investigate the effect of the October 1989 solar proton event on odd nitrogen at altitudes between 50–90 km. The modelling results show that the NO concentration is significantly enhanced due to the proton precipitation, reaching 107 –108 cm-3 throughout the mesosphere on the 20 October when the proton forcing was most severe. A comparison between the chemical production channels of odd nitrogen indicates that ion chemical reactions are an important factor in the total odd nitrogen production during intense ionization. The modelled electron concentration for the 23 October is compared with EISCAT incoherent scatter radar measurements and a reasonable agreement is found.Key words. Atmospheric composition and structure (Middle atmosphere – composition and chemistry); Ionosphere (Particle precipitation)

scholarly journals Influence of a Carrington-like event on the atmospheric chemistry, temperature and dynamics

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 8679-8686 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Calisto ◽  
P. T. Verronen ◽  
E. Rozanov ◽  
T. Peter
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Total Ozone ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Solar Proton ◽  
Solar Proton Event ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Proton Event ◽  
Solar Energetic Particle Event ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Near Future

Abstract. We have modeled the atmospheric impact of a major solar energetic particle event similar in intensity to what is thought of the Carrington Event of 1–2 September 1859. Ionization rates for the August 1972 solar proton event, which had an energy spectrum comparable to the Carrington Event, were scaled up in proportion to the fluence estimated for both events. We have assumed such an event to take place in the year 2020 in order to investigate the impact on the modern, near future atmosphere. Effects on atmospheric chemistry, temperature and dynamics were investigated using the 3-D Chemistry Climate Model SOCOL v2.0. We find significant responses of NOx, HOx, ozone, temperature and zonal wind. Ozone and NOx have in common an unusually strong and long-lived response to this solar proton event. The model suggests a 3-fold increase of NOx generated in the upper stratosphere lasting until the end of November, and an up to 10-fold increase in upper mesospheric HOx. Due to the NOx and HOx enhancements, ozone reduces by up to 60–80% in the mesosphere during the days after the event, and by up to 20–40% in the middle stratosphere lasting for several months after the event. Total ozone is reduced by up to 20 DU in the Northern Hemisphere and up to 10 DU in the Southern Hemisphere. Free tropospheric and surface air temperatures show a significant cooling of more than 3 K and zonal winds change significantly by 3–5 m s−1 in the UTLS region. In conclusion, a solar proton event, if it took place in the near future with an intensity similar to that ascribed to of the Carrington Event of 1859, must be expected to have a major impact on atmospheric composition throughout the middle atmosphere, resulting in significant and persistent decrease in total ozone.

scholarly journals ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY EFFECTS OF THE 20 JANUARY 2005 SOLAR PROTON EVENT

2009 ◽  
pp. 305-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. KLEKOCIUK ◽  
D. J. BOMBARDIERI ◽  
M. L. DULDIG ◽  
K. J. MICHAEL
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Solar Proton ◽  
Solar Proton Event ◽  
Proton Event
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