Application of CORSIMA (Cosmic Ray Spectrum and Intensity in Middle Atmosphere) Model for Solar Cosmic Rays. Case Study of the Extremes GLE 05 and GLE 69

Abstract

The new model CORSIMA (COsmic Ray Spectrum and Intensity in Middle Atmosphere) is presented. The spectra and intensities of solar cosmic rays (SCR) from GLE (Ground Level Enhancement) 05 on 23 February 1956 and GLE 69 on 20 January 2005 at different altitudes are calculated. For this purpose, the operational CORSIMA model is applied. In the final version of the CORSIMA program, an approximation in 6 characteristic energy intervals of the Bohr–Bethe–Bloch function is used, including the charge decrease interval. Analytical expressions for the contributions of the energy intervals are provided.
 For the first time we present a quantitative and qualitative appreciation of the impact of Solar Cosmic Rays (SCRs) from the Solar Particle Events (SPEs) on the ionosphere and middle atmosphere (30–80 km). These altitudes are above the Regener–Pfotzer maximum.
 Unlike Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR), the differential spectra of SCR essentially vary in time. The SCR fluxes also differ from each other during the different events. The spectrum and intensity behaviour is explained considering the structure of the CORSIMA program. The calculation results are in agreement with the experimental data and show characteristic features of the propagation process for different altitudes and geomagnetic latitudes. The calculations are performed for geomagnetic latitudes 90° (cusp region). The development of this research is important for the processes and mechanisms of space weather.