An Alternative Incoming Correction for Cosmic‐Ray Neutron Sensing Observations Using Local Muon Measurement

Abstract

Measuring the variability of incoming neutrons locally would be usefull for the cosmic‐ray neutron sensing (CRNS) method. As the measurement of high energy neutrons is not so easy, alternative particles can be considered for such purpose. Among them, muons are particles created from the same cascade of primary cosmic‐ray fluxes that generate neutrons at the ground. In addition, they can be easily detected by small and relatively inexpensive detectors. For these reasons they could provide a suitable local alternative to incoming corrections based on remote neutron monitor data. The reported measurements demonstrated that muon detection system can detect incoming cosmic‐ray variations locally. Furthermore the precision of this measurement technique is considered adequate for many CRNS applications.

Toward Large‐Scale Soil Moisture Monitoring Using Rail‐Based Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing

“…Local incoming correction strategies with muon detectors have been recently suggested by Stevanato et al. (2022) and Gianessi et al. (2022), and might have the potential to correct existing deviations such as the unrealistic fluctuations observed during a day without precipitation) or shielded topographic terrain (e.g., F1).…”

“…For example, the local natural background of incoming cosmic ray neutrons might have temporarily deviated from the data used as recorded at Jungfraujoch at > 600 km distance. Local incoming correction strategies with muon detectors have been recently suggested by Stevanato et al (2022) and Gianessi et al (2022), and might have the potential to correct existing deviations such as the unrealistic fluctuations observed during a day without precipitation) or shielded topographic terrain (e.g., F1). The prospects of higher sensor performance (i.e., increased counting rates), incorporation of additional land cover data (e.g., biomass), and more frequent calibration campaigns may increase the quality of the provided SWC product.…”

Buoy‐Based Detection of Low‐Energy Cosmic‐Ray Neutrons to Monitor the Influence of Atmospheric, Geomagnetic, and Heliospheric Effects

“…Nevertheless, more issues complicate the use of the neutron monitor network as a reference for CRNS stations across the world: the instruments measure different neutron energies than CRNS, they are sometimes prone to weather effects, the few operational stations have only scarce coverage on Earth, and the data exhibits varying consistency and quality, while a single institute is responsible for the data provision and processing (Abunin et al., 2016; Aplin et al., 2005; Bütikofer, 1999; Korotkov et al., 2011; Oh et al., 2013; Ruffolo et al., 2016; Väisänen et al., 2021). Consequently, the future availability of reliable cosmic‐ray reference data may not be guaranteed, which explains the current search for alternative concepts (e.g., Fersch et al., 2020; Gugerli et al., 2022; Schrön et al., 2016; Stevanato et al., 2022).…”