Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

High-latitude monitoring of charged particle fluxes including cosmic rays in the Earth’s polar atmosphere, and their relation with solar and geomagnetic disturbances .  (Cosmic Rays)

Outline
At present time there are obtained the unique sets of data allowing to investigate the modulation of galactic cosmic rays within the energy range of 0.1 –20 GeV, solar cosmic rays with the energy more than 100 MeV, and precipitation of relativist electrons from the Earth’s magnetosphere. The data of measurements are used for studying the electric phenomena in the atmosphere and the dynamics of doses in the Earth’s atmosphere and near-Earth space. In spite of evident progress in understanding the physical bases of modulations of galactic cosmic rays by solar activity the construction of the consistent scheme of modulation is still not completed. There are unresolved questions concerning the problem of solar cosmic rays and relativist electrons in the Earth’s magnetosphere. Now these problems attract the attention of scientists all over the world owing to possibility for experimental research of these processes, as well as to important role of relativist electrons in space weather forming. The importance of cosmic rays in atmospheric processes is evident. Cosmic rays are one of the main source of electric charges in atmosphere through the process of ionization of air atoms; therefore, they determine all electric properties of the atmosphere: air conductivity, functioning of global eletric circuit, formation of thunderstorm electricity, lightning discharges etc. Particles with the energy E > 1014 eV are responsible for lightning discharge formation. It can be said with assurance that cosmic rays are very important in the process of global warming. The project suggests the regular measurements of charge particle fluxes in the Earth’s polar atmosphere with the purpose of studying the modulation of galactic cosmic rays by solar activity and by the influence of close astrophysical sources of generation of high-energy particles on the Sun, in heliosphere and Earth’s magnetosphere. The following scientific institutes of Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) will participate in the project: Physical Institute of Academy of Sciences (PIAS); Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere and Radio Wave Propagation (ITMIR); Polar Geophysical Institute (PGI); Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of Siberian Branch (SB) of RAS (ISTP); Institute of Cosmophysical Research and Aeronomy SB RAS (ICRA); Institute of Cosmophysical Research and Radio Wave Propagation of Far East Branch of RAS (ISRR).

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
·Obtaining of new information about space-time dynamics of charge particle fluxes in addition to existing unique sets of observational data (from 1957 to present time). It is of great interest for solving some problems in astrophysics, physics of atmosphere, as well as problems associated with radiation situation in atmosphere and in near-Earth space. ·Development of mechanisms and scenarios of long-period variations of galactic cosmic radiation and their correlation with solar activity. ·Development of the model of large-scale modulation of cosmic rays in heliosphere. ·Development of the method od diagnostics of interplanetary medium according to data of ground-based observations of cosmic rays adapted for functioning in real time regime. ·Creation of information system for realization of cosmic ray monitoring at the station network. ·Additions to the data archive and continuation of long data sets.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Joint researches with scientific institutions in Kazakhstan, Slovenia, Australia according to coordinated scientific projects and programs.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Continuous monitoring is planned at Russian arctic stations of cosmic rays (Apatity, Barentsburg, Norilsk, Tiksi, Shmidt Cape, in Antarctica (Vostok, Mirny) and at some midlatitude Russian stations). Launching of radiosondes is planned 3–4 times a week (Apatity) and 6 times a week (Mirny, Moscow Region)

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: During the IPY period            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Russian Academy of Sciences - Yes Ministry of Education and Science of Russian Federation - Yes Organizing Committee on the participation of Russian Federation in preparing and holding of arrangements within the limits of IPY-2007–2008 - to be expected

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
No

The project suggests to be realized within the frameworks of the programs of scientific-research works of the Department of Physical Sciences and the Department of Sciences of the Earth; it will essentially complete (in the part of obtaining new experimental data) available in scientific institutions of RAS grants, joint projects, etc. The fulfilled investigations will be important addition to the Program “International Geophysical Year” which is currently discussed and which seems to be accepted; in so doing the time constraints of these programs are the same. Moreover, the results of these investigations will be used for the research on the problem of space weather.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The working according to the IPY-2007–2008 Program will be coordinated by Scientific Council of RAS on solar-terrestrial relations (The Sun–Earth Council).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The results of the project will be presented in reports and publications, and they could be used for educational purposes for popularization of newest conceptions of the physical processes in near-Earth space.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The obtained data after their processing and publication of main results can be integrated in International data banks in agreement with countries (institutions) carried out the similar investigations at high latitudes.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project will be financed at the expense of budgetary funds as well as funds of other financial sources

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Geliy Alexandrovich Zherebtsov
The Scientific Council of RAS on Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences
Leninsky avenue 38, building 1
117334
Russia

Tel: (8-095) 137-07-11; (8-095) 333-32-90; (8-3952) 428-265
Mobile: no
Fax: (8-095) 137-65-11
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation