Pulsating Aurora: A Driver of Ozone Depletion Through Energetic Election Precipitation

Previous research has shown that auroral activity can indirectly lead to ozone depletion through the production of odd nitrogen (NOx, e.g., NO and NO2) in the thermosphere. NOx is long lasting and, over the course of days, is transported to lower altitudes where it reacts with stratospheric ozone and causes depletion. Notably, the auroral contribution to atmospheric chemistry is significant, with up to 60% of ozone depletion enhancements (above background levels) at 35-40 km altitude reportedly attributable to energetic electron precipitation. Observations of pulsating aurora, which is caused by a population of precipitating electrons with a high-energy tail (tens of keV and higher), provides an excellent natural laboratory for examining the impact of such high-energy events on atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, the frequent occurrence and long duration of pulsating aurora suggest that they may be significant contributors to ozone depletion. Understanding these processes has strong implications for assessing how solar variability may relate to climate change and terrestrial weather.The goal of this Research Topic is to demonstrate the feasibility and significance of using observations of pulsating aurora as a gauge for the impact of auroral activity on ozone depletion. We encourage submissions that address all parts of the causal chain: (1) establishing that the electron population responsible for pulsating aurora contains sufficient high-energy electrons to produce significant odd nitrogen, using rockets, satellites, and/or ground-based measurements; (2) demonstrating that a fraction of this Nox is transported downward to stratospheric altitudes, possibly through modeling the dynamics of the Polar Wind Vortex; and (3) confirming that, upon arrival, this odd nitrogen interacts with stratospheric ozone leading to depletion, potentially evidenced via remote sensing measurements and/or modeling. Furthermore, studies highlighting the mechanisms and prevalence of this energetic precipitation, especially the role of electron microbursts, will help clarify the broader significance of pulsating aurora to stratospheric ozone balance. Pulsating aurora thus offers an ideal framework for quantifying the cascading impacts of auroral activity on ozone depletion. This Research Topic solicits studies across the full causal chain, including: (1) characterization of precipitating electron energy spectra, especially those with a focus on high-energy tail with data from sounding rockets, CubeSats, satellites, and/or remote sensing (space- and ground-based platforms such as interferometers, filtered cameras, incoherent scatter radars), or meta analyses of historical data or studies of the prevalence of such high energy precipitation; (2) impacts on thermospheric chemistry including measurements (e.g., remote sensing) and modeling of odd nitrogen production; (3) modeling of downward transport; and(4) measurements (e.g., remote sensing) and modeling of ozone depletion. We welcome original research, statistical studies, and meta-analyses of historical studies at any stage of this causal chain. Topic editors: Sarah Jones, Yoshizumi Miyoshi, Kelly Cantwell Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80038/pulsating-aurora-a-driver-of-ozone-depletion-through-energetic-election-precipitation