Uncertainty propagation in global radionuclide production rate estimates to constrain solar particle event intensity
Abstract
Radionuclides, like 14C and 10Be, are produced by interactions of the Earth's atmosphere with high energetic particles from space. The discovery of large peaks in 14C and 10Be concentration has been linked to severe solar particle events (SPEs), that occured in the past millenia. Besides solar activity, the production rates of radionuclides also depend on the Earth's magnetic field, which shields the planet against cosmic radiation. To infer the strength of the SPE, the amount of shielding has to be known. Here we investigate how uncertainties in the reconstruction of the global geomagnetic field propagate to 10Be production rates. We make use of recent ensemble models for the Holocene geomagnetic field, combined with particle tracing codes, to provide locally resolved cutoff rigidities and 10Be production rates, together with the associated uncertainties. These can be used in combination with deposition models, to estimate 10Be depositional flux. The estimates can be compared to measurements, in order to determine upper and lower bounds for the SPE strength.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Publication date
- 13 March 2026
- Language
- EN