Open AccessLarge solar proton event explains 774–775 CE carbon‐14 increase
Author(s) -
Balcerak Ernie
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
eos, transactions american geophysical union
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.316
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 2324-9250
pISSN - 0096-3941
DOI - 10.1002/2013eo180011
Subject(s) - atmosphere (unit) , ozone , proton , carbon fibers , solar energetic particles , event (particle physics) , ultraviolet , atmospheric sciences , astrobiology , ozone layer , ozone depletion , photochemistry , environmental science , physics , materials science , chemistry , astrophysics , nuclear physics , meteorology , solar wind , coronal mass ejection , plasma , quantum mechanics , composite number , composite material
Tree ring records indicate that in 774–775 CE, atmospheric carbon‐14 levels increased substantially. Researchers suggest that a solar proton event may have been the cause. In solar proton events, large numbers of high‐energy protons are emitted from the Sun, along with other particles. If these particles reach Earth's atmosphere, they ionize the atmosphere and induce nuclear reactions that produce higher levels of carbon‐14; the particles also cause chemical reactions that result in depletion of ozone in the ozone layer, allowing harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach the ground.