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Abstract |
The primary cosmic rays (CRs) interact with atmospheric atoms, producing secondary CRs (neutron, proton, muon etc.). Meteorological conditions influence the secondary CRs properties, such as the atmospheric pressure and the hydrometric properties (snowfall, the atmospheric water vapor and liquid water, the soil moisture). The CHINSTRAP project aims at recording CR induced-neutron spectra at Concordia Antarctic station, over a wide energy range from meV up to tens of GeV with a short time resolution. At the same time, a radiometer records continuously the water vapor contents and temperatures profiles (HAMSTRAD project). In March 2022, an atmospheric river (AR) caused some of the highest temperature anomalies ever observed over Antarctica (absolute temperature record of -9.4 °C on March 18th at Concordia). The ARs transport large amounts of moisture from the mid- to high-latitudes, modifying considerably usual dry conditions observed at Concordia. This AR event attenuated CRs measurements at Concordia, something previously never observed. A first analysis shows a correlation between the CR induced neutron flux decreases (in the order of 15%) and the increases of the integrated water vapor and liquid water path (IWV and LWP, respectively). This work demonstrates the importance of CRs attenuation during particle transport mechanisms in a highly saturated atmosphere. |
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