Quantitative estimates of the effects of cross section uncertainties on the derivation of GCR source compositionCosmic-ray source abundance uncertainties, resulting from the cross-section uncertainties, are calculated for the elements carbon through nickel. A significant dominance of cross-section errors in the source abundance uncertainties is found for most of the elements considered, even with uncorrelated partial cross-section errors; much larger uncertainties than those reported previously are found for Ca, N, Na, Al, and S. Propagation errors are noted to preclude a significant determination of source abundances for F, Cl, and Mn. A need for an assessment of the existing cosmic-ray propagation models - especially the propagation cross-sections which they employ - is expressed, motivated by recent improvements in the resolution and statistical accuracy of observations.
Document ID
19850040847
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hinshaw, G. F. (California, University Berkeley, CA, United States)
Wiedenbeck, M. E. (California, University Berkeley, CA; Chicago, University, Chicago, IL, United States)