Open AccessCosmic ray survey to Antarctica and coupling functions for neutron component near solar minimum (1996–1997): 2. Determination of meteorological effects
Author(s) -
Iucci N.,
Villoresi G.,
Dorman L. I.,
Parisi M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: space physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2000ja900050
Subject(s) - neutron monitor , cosmic ray , neutron , physics , atmospheric sciences , latitude , environmental science , rigidity (electromagnetism) , cosmic cancer database , meteorology , astrophysics , nuclear physics , astronomy , quantum mechanics
In this paper we present an analysis of meteorological effects influencing the counting rate of a standard cosmic ray NM‐64 neutron monitor and bare neutron counters used during the latitude survey performed in 1996–1997 from Italy to Antarctica and back. In particular, we determine for the first time the influence of the Bernoulli effect on the evaluation of atmospheric mass and the effect of sea state strength on neutron counting rate, by using data recorded during the long period spent in the Antarctic region (vertical cutoff rigidity R cp ≤ 1 GV). Atmospheric absorption coefficients have been computed accurately for the Antarctic region, as well as at different cutoff rigidities by combining previous findings together with our determinations at R cp ≤ 1 GV and R cp = 6.2 GV. We also estimate the temperature effect on the NM‐64 counting rate by using the sea level temperature during the expedition and the vertical distribution data of atmospheric temperature measured by satellites. Data corrections for all meteorological effects are discussed.