Abstract
A ∼62 My periodicity in fossil biodiversity has been observed in independent studies of paleontology databases over ∼0.5Gy. The period and phase of this biodiversity cycle coincides with the oscillation of our solar system normal to the galactic disk with an amplitude ∼70 parsecs and a period ∼64 My. Our Galaxy is falling toward the Virgo cluster, forming a galactic shock at the north end of our galaxy due to this motion, capable of accelerating particles and exposing our galaxy's northern side to a higher flux of cosmic rays. These high-energy particles strike the Earth's atmosphere initiating extensive air showers, ionizing the atmosphere by producing charged secondary particles. Secondary particles such as muons produced as a result of nuclear interactions are able to reach the ground and enhance the biological radiation dose. Using a Monte Carlo simulation package CORSIKA, we compute the biological dose resulting from enhanced muon exposure from cosmic rays and discuss their implications for terrestrial biodiversity variations.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | L19203 |
Journal | Geophysical Research Letters |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 19 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2011 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geophysics
- General Earth and Planetary Sciences