Effect of an extreme solar energetic particle event of January 20, 2005 on polar stratospheric aerosols
Abstract
This work is an extension of a phenomenological study of the middle polar atmosphere response to a severe solar energetic particle (SEP) event of January 20, 2005. The present work is focused on evaluation of the potential influence of atmospheric ionization caused by solar cosmic rays upon formation of aerosol particles in the low stratosphere over the polar regions. We have performed a thorough analysis of variations of the daily profiles of aerosol extinction as measured by the POAM III instrument in different wavelengths for both North and South polar regions during January 2005. We found statistically significant changes in the aerosol parameters associated with the SEP event that are stronger in the South hemisphere (local austral summer). The changes are mostly related to ultra-fine and fine aerosols and show no effect for larger particles.
- Publication:
-
38th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010cosp...38.1350M