Influence of solar radiation components on partial oxygen density in the surface air layer in subarctic and subtropical regions

BACKGROUND: Solar radiation consists of electromagnetic radiation and the solar wind. It becomes nonlinear during solar flares, with increased wave radiation and the emission of large amounts of charged particles. Increased solar radiation intensity alters the Earth’s light and thermal balance and geomagnetic activity, affecting both weather and oxygen status.

AIM: To assess the effect of solar radiation components on changes in partial oxygen density in subarctic and subtropical regions, depending on the level of solar activity.

METHODS: Sunspot data were obtained from the Royal Observatory of Belgium. Solar radiation levels, the planetary magnetic index (Ap), and the local geomagnetic activity index (K) were assessed using data from the All-Russian Research Institute of Hydrometeorological Information. Partial oxygen density was calculated based on air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and relative air humidity. Data from 2007 (low solar activity) and 2001 (high solar activity) were compared. Wavelet analysis was used for mathematical processing.

RESULTS: In the North, the mesor, amplitude, and autocorrelation of solar radiation in 2001 did not differ from those recorded in 2007. In subtropical regions, the mesor and amplitude of solar radiation were significantly higher, whereas autocorrelation was lower, indicating a disruption of time series. The synchronization coefficient demonstrated a strong correlation between solar radiation and partial oxygen density in both high and low solar activity years in the North, and a weak synchronization in the subtropics during the year of low solar activity. Synchronization of the Ap and K indices in Polokwane increased as solar activity rose from very low to moderate. The synchronization coefficients for Ap and partial oxygen density, as well as K and partial oxygen density, indicated a very weak correlation between magnetic indices and partial oxygen density, regardless of solar activity. In Khanty-Mansiysk, synchronization between the Ap and K indices remained weak. The synchronization coefficient for Ap and partial oxygen density showed a non-significant increase with rising solar activity, whereas synchronization between K and partial oxygen density decreased from weak to very weak as solar activity increased.

CONCLUSION: During the year of low solar activity, both geographic regions showed a significant correlation between solar radiation fluctuations and partial oxygen density. In subtropical regions, increasing solar activity was associated with a weaker correlation between solar radiation and partial oxygen density. Significant synchronization between fluctuations in partial oxygen density and planetary or local magnetic activity ranged from weak to very weak, regardless of solar activity levels or geographic latitude.