Heliospheric and Geomagnetic Modulation of Galactic Cosmic Ray under Quiet and disturbed interplanetary conditions during Solar cycle 20-23.

Abstract:

The modulation of galactic cosmic rays (GCR) within the heliosphere leads to a reduction in the GCR count rates during period of high solar activity and conversely. Data from three geomagnetic observatories and three Neutron monitors (in close proximity to the geomagnetic stations) have been studied. The monthly residuals of the geomagnetic field components with respect to quiet time conditions from these three stations have been computed and compared with the cosmic ray count rates. The modulations of the GCR during quiet and disturbed interplanetary conditions have been investigated with a view to better understand the role of the global merged interaction regions and coronal mass ejections to the GCR modulation. From first-order partial correlation, we found that removing the influence of the total IMF-B, (especially during quiet conditions), and the influence of SW dynamic pressure (during disturbed conditions) generally enhances the correlation of the residual geomagnetic field with the GCR significantly. The influence of the more subtle parameters like speed, Bz component and proton density were masked by these dominant parameters. Results from this work are important for the modeling of long term GCR variability.