2023-2024 USAP Field Season
Project Detail Project TitleCollaborative Research: The Simpson Neutron Monitor Network Summary
Event Number:
Program Director:
ASC POC/Implementer: Principal Investigator(s)
Dr. Surujhdeo Seunarine
Project Web Site: Location
Supporting Stations: South Pole Station DescriptionThis project operates a neutron-monitor suite at South Pole Station. The science thrust of the project is an understanding of solar energetic particles using neutron monitor data, complemented with data from the nearby IceTop air shower detector. Another focus involves understanding the nature of multiple coincident particles observed in the neutron monitors, which extend the reach of the South Pole neutron monitor as a single station capable of doing cosmic ray spectral studies. Also central to the research is understanding the response of these detectors to the radiation environment of the South Pole, particularly in determining the cause of the decline in cosmic ray intensity at the South Pole over the last 50 years. Understanding this decline is important because cosmic rays produce radionuclides such as Beryllium-10 that become trapped in the ice and are used to determine ice-core ages and precipitation levels over Earth's polar regions. An understanding of the production rate is vital to interpreting these data. Field Season OverviewNo on-site field work is to be performed by the science team this year. The instrument will continue to operate autonomously, year-round, via remote monitoring and control, aided by on-site support provided by ASC staff and other station infrastructure (IT network, station services, etc.) as needed.
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