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[Cosmic rays as the main factor affecting solar variability on climatic and atmospheric parameters]
O M Raspopov1, O I Shumilov, E A Kasatkina
1St. Petersburg Filial, Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere and Radio Waves Propagation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia.
Biofizika
|January 23, 1999
Summary
Cosmic ray increases enhance atmospheric aerosols and cloudiness, impacting global transparency and surface temperatures. This mechanism explains solar cycle temperature variations and historical climate events like the Little Ice Age.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric physics and climate science.
- Investigates the influence of cosmic rays on Earth's atmosphere and climate.
- Focuses on solar proton events and galactic cosmic rays.
Context:
- Cosmic ray flux variations correlate with solar activity and geomagnetic field intensity.
- Atmospheric aerosols and cloudiness are sensitive to cosmic ray flux.
- Changes in atmospheric transparency affect solar radiation reaching Earth's surface.
Purpose:
- To analyze the relationship between cosmic ray enhancement and atmospheric changes.
- To explain the mechanism linking solar cycles to surface temperature variations.
- To provide a physical basis for historical climate phenomena.
Summary:
- Experimental data show cosmic ray enhancement increases atmospheric aerosols and cloudiness.
- Solar proton events lead to significant aerosol density increases at high altitudes.
- Variations in atmospheric transparency, driven by cosmic rays, act as a 'grey filter' for solar radiation, influencing surface temperatures.
- Periods of low solar activity, with enhanced cosmic rays, are linked to decreased surface temperatures.
Impact:
- Provides a physical explanation for solar cycle-driven temperature fluctuations.
- Offers insights into the causes of the Little Ice Age and Maunder Minimum.
- Suggests a link between geomagnetic field intensity, cosmic rays, and the development of Ice Ages and Global Cooling.
- Highlights the role of cosmic ray-induced atmospheric changes in long-term climate variability.