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The role of cosmic rays
The Metrology Partnership EURAMET BIOSPHERE project is a collaboration between 22 European countries for detailed study of the relationships between extraterrestrial radiation fields and atmospheric composition.
One objective for example is to explore the effect of cosmic rays in the ozone chemistry, inducing potential depletion additional to the chlorine compounds contribution. It is intimately related to the evolution of the biosphere and our health status. It is required to deepen the understanding of all processes, to provide metrology tools and scientific assessments to support EU policy makers in their actions on climate change and to preserve human health and ecosystems.
Deep UV radiation and cosmic rays induce atmospheric ionisation and reactions that lead to formation of free radicals playing a role in atmospheric chemistry.
BIRA-IASB is deeply involved with scientific expertise in modelling, satellite observations of particle injection in the atmosphere (PROBA-V/EPT), and the management of ground-based campaigns for the measurement of secondary cosmic rays detection, UV radiation and ozone abundance. Main efforts are also conducted within BIOSPHERE for laboratory campaigns, for cross-section measurements regarding interactions of low-energy electrons with atmospheric gases, and determining the effect of mixed radiation fields on normal human cell lines.
The intercomparison campaigns
The field campaigns take place at different mid latitude sites, in Athens (Greece), at the Milešovka Observatory (Czech Republic) and at the Space Pole in Brussels (Belgium) with the contribution from partners having the necessary expertise and equipment to perform versatile observations simultaneously for particles as muons and neutrons, atmospheric parameters (ozone abundance, aerosols optical depth) and accurate measurement of biologically active solar UV irradiance.
The B.RCLab (Belgian Radiometric Characterization Laboratory) was responsible for the coordination of the campaigns and for metrology applied to UV index measurements using an absolute calibrated spectrometer, a UVB pyranometer and a filter radiometer.
The objective is to identify and quantify the role of cosmic rays on the Earth’s atmosphere and biosphere. There is currently high solar activity (solar cycle 25) and Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events could be detected during the monitoring campaigns. The effects of these storms and the corresponding increased ionisation are now analysed by the scientists at atmospheric and ground-based level.
More EURAMET BIOSPHERE project details on:
"Impact of increased cosmic rays, UV radiation and fragility of ozone shield on the biosphere and our health"
