Quantitative estimates of the effects of cross section uncertainties on the derivation of GCR source composition.
Abstract
Cosmic-ray source abundance uncertainties, resulting from the cross-section uncertainties, are calculated for the elements carbon through nickel. A significant dominance of cross-section errors in the source abundance uncertainties is found for most of the elements considered, even with uncorrelated partial cross-section errors; much larger uncertainties than those reported previously are found for Ca, N, Na, Al, and S. Propagation errors are noted to preclude a significant determination of source abundances for F, Cl, and Mn. A need for an assessment of the existing cosmic-ray propagation models - especially the propagation cross-sections which they employ - is expressed, motivated by recent improvements in the resolution and statistical accuracy of observations.
- Publication:
-
International Cosmic Ray Conference
- Pub Date:
- August 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983ICRC....9..263H
- Keywords:
-
- Abundance;
- Cosmic Rays;
- Galactic Radiation;
- Interstellar Gas;
- Ionization Cross Sections;
- Hydrogen;
- Solar System;
- Space Radiation;
- Cosmic Rays:Cross Sections