Abstract
The impact of solar proton events (SPEs) on noctilucent clouds (NLCs) is studied using the 30-year NLC data set based on measurements with SBUV instruments on NIMBUS 7 and the NOAA 9-17 satellites. We performed a cross-correlation analysis between GOES proton flux time series and NLC occurrence rate (albedo) time series to investigate, whether a depletion of NLCs is frequently observed during SPEs. We focused on the analysis of the years when SPEs occurred during the core NLC season (days 0–40 with respect to solstice). For energetic protons in the 5–10MeV energy range we find for the majority of SPEs statistically significant anti-correlations between NLC occurrence rate (albedo) and proton flux time series with time lags of up to 8 days. For the two strong SPEs in July 2000 and January 2005 the sensitivity of the results to the proton energy range was investigated. We found that the main results do not depend on proton energy. Together with a recently proposed physical mechanism leading to a SPE-induced warming of the polar summer mesopause region, our results may indicate that NLCs are frequently depleted during SPEs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
