Quantitative Evaluation of Spectra and Intensity of Anomalous Cosmic Rays in Middle Atmosphere

Abstract

The influence of Anomalous Cosmic Rays (ACRs) on ionization in the boundary of the ionosphere-middle atmosphere system (40–50 km) is investigated, taking into account the spectrum, intensity, geomagnetic, and atmospheric cut-offs. The ACR spectra and intensity in the middle atmosphere are determined using the CORSIMA (COsmic Ray Spectra and Intensity in Middle Atmosphere) model. ACR spectra are presented for various atmospheric altitudes within the range of 40–50 km, with the lower boundary of the ionosphere at approximately 50 km. Experimental satellite measurements are utilized for the main ACR constituents, including Hydrogen (protons), Helium, Nitrogen, and Oxygen nuclei. It is found that the influence of ACRs extends to the polar cap regions above 65°–70° geomagnetic latitude, and certain ACR ionization rate values in these regions are comparable to Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) ionization rates. Future studies will also consider Multiply Charged Anomalous Cosmic Rays (MCACRs), which exhibit similar differential spectra to the singly ionized ACR components addressed in this study.