Metrology for Earth Biosphere: Cosmic rays, ultraviolet radiation and fragility of ozone shield
Short Name: BIOSPHERE, Project Number: 21GRD02
Developing the first metrological framework to assess the impact of cosmic rays and human activity on the ozone layer.
The ozone layer shields us from solar UV, radiation which can cause serious health effects in humans, as well as some plants and animals.In the last 50 years, anthropogenic activities have altered atmospheric chemistry such that primary cosmic rays (PCRs) – high energy particles from the sun and other extra-terrestrial sources – are now increasing depletion of this protective layer. On contact with the atmosphere, PCRs also generate secondary cosmic rays (SCR) and both types are known to adversely affect biological systems. Understanding the link between cosmic rays, solar radiation, and ozone thickness is critical for making informed decisions regarding the effects of these on human health. However, to date, no side-by-side measurements of these factors have been performed due to a lack of measurement infrastructure.
To address this, the project has upgraded existing SCR and atmosphere detectors, developed new methods to determine the dependence of SCR flux to the ground on PCR and linked this to atmospheric parameters such as temperature, density, and aerosol concentration. The impact of PCRs and ground UV radiation on the ozone layer will be correlated and quantified, including their dependence on anthropogenic emissions. The effects on human health of combined SCR and UV radiation has been assessed by using human and plant cells via established radiation effect models and systems biology approaches. For the first time, key information on the effects of cosmic rays, UV and human activities on the ozone layer will be available, helping Europe to introduce better mitigation strategies in this important area.
AIMS Geosciences
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
The Astrophysical Journal
Annales Geophysicae
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Physical Review A
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Physical Review A
Methods in Molecular Biology
Biomolecules
Biomolecules
Atmosphere
Exploration of Digital Health Technologies
Applied Radiation and Isotopes
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Biomolecules
The European Physical Journal D
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A
Physical Review A
The Astrophysical Journal
Biology
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
The Astrophysical Journal
Annales Geophysicae
Space Weather
Applied Sciences
Cancers
Space Weather
URSI Radio Science Letters
Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
The European Physical Journal D
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Antioxidants
International Journal of Molecular Sciences