What type of radiation primarily reaches sea level?
Answer
Secondary particles created by air showers
When primary cosmic rays impact air molecules high in the atmosphere, they initiate an air shower that breaks them down into secondary particles such as neutrons, protons, and muons, which are what reach the ground.
Related Questions
What are cosmic rays primarily composed of?What is the primary function of Earth's magnetic field regarding cosmic radiation?What type of radiation primarily reaches sea level?What powerful astronomical events are thought to accelerate Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs)?How does increasing altitude affect the dose received from cosmic radiation on the surface?Why does cosmic ray exposure tend to be higher near the Earth's poles compared to the equator?Over billions of years, how might cosmic radiation have influenced terrestrial biology?What is the key difference in exposure between an astronaut in deep space and someone at sea level on Earth?Approximately what typical annual dose contribution comes from cosmic radiation for someone living at sea level?What major biological concerns are associated with astronaut exposure to high-energy ions outside Earth's protection?Besides cosmic rays, what are the other two main natural sources contributing to a person's radiation exposure on Earth?