Interaction of Solar-Flare-Accelerated Nuclei with the Solar Photosphere and the Isotopic Composition of the Solar Wind

Abstract

The nuclear interactions of solar-flare-accelerated protons and ions with the solar atmosphere and the deeper layers of the Sun lead to the formation of several stable and radioactive isotopes. This article examines the GEANT4 depth profiles of ²H, ³H, ³He, ⁶Li, ⁷Li, ¹⁰Be, and ¹⁴C. When accelerated particles pass through a layer of 0.1–2 g cm^–2, ⁶Li, ⁷Li, ¹⁰Be, and ¹⁴C isotopes form in sufficient amounts to explain their anomalous abundances in lunar soil samples. It is assumed that they escape into interplanetary space with coronal mass ejections immediately after the flare.