Spatial-Energy Characteristics of Cosmic Rays and Parameters of Magnetospheric Current Systems in March and June 2015

The data from terrestrial observations of cosmic rays at the global network of stations by the method of spectrographic global survey were used to analyze two Forbush decreases during the geomagnetic storms in March and June 2015. The spectra of cosmic ray variations, pitch angle anisotropy of cosmic rays at different phases of Forbush decrease development, and the changes in the planetary system of geomagnetic cutoff rigidities are presented. It is shown that, during the approximation of the spectra of variations by the power function of particle rigidity in the interval of 10–50 GV, the spectrum index is softer at the maximum modulation phase than during the phases of cosmic ray intensity decline and recovery. In the axisymmetric model of the bounded magnetosphere of the Earth, which takes into account the currents at the magnetopause and the ring current, the distance to the subsolar point and the radius of the ring current, as well as the contribution of the ring current to the changes in geomagnetic cutoff rigidity and to the Dst index during the studied events, are determined.     

Spectrographic analysis of events in cosmic rays in October–November 2003

Based on the multiplied neutron registration with the Magadan neutron monitor, the parameters of the spectrum of variations in the cosmic ray hardness and variation in geomagnetic cutoff rigidity for Forbush decreases and intensity increases, related to registration at a level of solar cosmic ray observation, have been determined using the spectrographic method. Results of an analysis indicate that the spectral index (represented in the power form) increases for Forbush decreases and decreases for increases in CR intensity. In the analyzed cases, geomagnetic cutoff rigidity decreases for intensity increases and Forbush decreases.     

Specific features of the rigidity spectrum of Forbush effects

We analyze variations in the rigidity spectrum of primary cosmic rays during Forbush effects recorded in cycles 20–24 of solar activity on the basis of data from the global network of neutron monitor stations processed by global survey. We investigate variations in the rigidity spectrum index of Forbush effects as a function of the solar activity level, phases of the effect, polarity the total magnetic field of the Sun, type and parameters of the source of cosmic ray modulation, etc. Comprehensive analysis of our results revealed regularities in the dynamics of the energy spectrum of galactic cosmic rays that reflect the dynamic processes occurring in the interplanetary space.     

Behavior of the cosmic ray density during the initial phase of the Forbush effect

Variations in the cosmic ray density during the initial phase of the Forbush effect during the first hours after the arrival of the interplanetary shock wave have been studied with the use of data on variations in the cosmic ray density with a rigidity of 10 GV obtained by the global survey method by the world network of neutron monitors in 1957?2012. It is found that behavior of this parameter after the arrival of the shock wave demonstrates high variability. A small (~1/5 of total number), though distinct, group of Forbush effects, in which the density of the cosmic ray increases (not decreases) after the arrival of the shock wave, is defined. As a whole, the initial variation in cosmic ray density is correlated with the Forbush effect magnitude and the strength of the associated geomagnetic disturbance.     

Variations in the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity of cosmic rays at individual points of the Asian region during the extreme events of 2003

The variations in the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity in Irkutsk, Alma-Ata, and Beijing in October–November 2003 were calculated using ground-based measurements of cosmic ray intensity from the worldwide network of stations and GOES spacecraft. The calculated variations in geomagnetic cutoff rigidity are presented together with D _st variations of the geomagnetic field. The obtained results are compared to calculations performed using the Tsyganenko model of the magnetosphere.     

地磁平静期间磁层高能粒子非垂直地磁截止刚度研究

地磁截止刚度是定量衡量地球磁场对高能粒子屏蔽效应的参数,描述了高能粒子穿越磁层到达指定观测点的带电粒子刚度阈值.人们一直研究垂直方向上的截止刚度,但对作为方向函数的截止刚度,缺少详细研究.我们使用单粒子方法,倒向追踪粒子的运动状态,计算了近地空间不同投掷角度的高能粒子地磁截止刚度,研究发现：（1）天顶方向或者垂直方向的截止刚度通常不是最小地磁截止刚度;（2）最小地磁截止刚度对应的投掷角方向最大为沿着磁场方向,即0°方向;其次为天顶方向,也就是通常所说的垂直方向;然后为180°方向,即磁场的反方向;（3）全球范围截止刚度对应的投掷角分布符合两端上翘的正态分布形态,不考虑两端最大占比,其中心在90°附近;（4）通过地磁平静期间的数值模拟发现,使用垂直方向的截止刚度对比最小截止刚度将平均高估13.17%,最大可能高估70%;（5）不同经纬度高能粒子的截止刚度与投掷角不存在明显关系.我们的研究将对行星际高能粒子以及银河宇宙线进入磁层,尤其是高纬度地区磁层和行星际空间的高能粒子耦合机制具有重要意义.同时对极盖区辐射吸收、高能银河宇宙线造成的大气层化学过程以及极地空间背景等离子体的相关研究具有重要意义.

     

Long-period variations in the amplitude-phase interrelation of the first cosmic ray anisotropy harmonic

The distinguished directions, dependent on the solar wind velocity and IMF line position, exist in the interplanetary space, which results in the nonuniform distribution of phases and the amplitude-phase interrelation of the first cosmic ray anisotropy harmonic. The characteristics of the first anisotropy harmonics, determined for each hour using the global survey method based on the worldwide neutron monitor network from 1957 to 2010, were used to study long-period variations in the cosmic ray anisotropy. The longitudinal distributions of the cosmic ray vector anisotropy and the interrelation between the anisotropy amplitude and phase have been obtained for each year in this time interval. The results evidently demonstrate the anisotropy variations caused by the solar magnetic and activity cycles. The anisotropy distributions at different solar wind velocities have also been studied. Periods with a specific cosmic ray anisotropy behavior are distinguished and discussed. The obtained cosmic ray anisotropy variations agree with the convection-diffusion anisotropy model.     

Solar proton event in December 2006

The variations in the rigidity spectrum and anisotropy of cosmic rays in December 2006 have been studied based on the surface measurements of the cosmic ray intensity at the global network of stations, using the method of global spectrographic survey. It has been indicated that the highest degree of anisotropy (to ～50%) with the maximal intensity of particles with a rigidity of 4 GV in the direction from the Sun (an asymptotic direction of about ?25° and 160°) was observed at 0400 UT on December 13. The parameters of the cosmic ray rigidity spectrum, which reflect the electromagnetic characteristics of the heliospheric fields during the studied period, have been determined when the surface and satellite measurements of protons in the energy range from several megaelectronvolts to several tens of gigaelectronvolts were jointly analyzed. The observed anisotropy and variations in cosmic rays in a wide energy range have been explained based on an analysis of the results.     

Geomagnetic cutoff rigidities of cosmic rays in a model of the bounded magnetosphere with the ring current

The cosmic ray geomagnetic cutoff rigidities are obtained by analytical calculations within an axisymmetric model of bounded magnetosphere, the magnetic field of which is created by the dipole field of the Earth and by two spheres located beyond the Earth with the currents that flow along the parallels and have a value proportional to the cosine of latitude. The inner sphere models the ring current flowing in the westerly direction; the outer sphere simulates the currents over the magnetopause, which flow in the easterly direction. The analytical results of calculations of variations in the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity for different levels of geomagnetic disturbances are given. The results are compared with the results of analytical calculations within the model of unbounded magnetosphere (when the outer sphere is absent).     

Vector anisotropy of cosmic rays in the beginning of Forbush effects

We consider the behavior of anisotropy and density of galactic cosmic rays in the first hours of Forbush effects from 1957 to 2014 initiated by the arrival of a shock wave. It has been shown that, as early as the event commencement, the first harmonic of anisotropy tends to increase substantially and its direction changes significantly. The more is powerful the interplanetary disturbance, the greater are the changes. Based on changes in some parameters of anisotropy and density, we can estimate the heliolongitude of the disturbance source, as well as the further development of the Forbush effect and geomagnetic activity.     

1997年1月7日至11日广州站宇宙线强度变化特征的小波分析

1997年1月6日爆发的日冕物质抛射（CME）到达地球时引起了强烈的地球物理效应,CME在行 星际空间传播时,广州的多方向μ介子望远镜观测到银河宇宙线强度的变化. 本文采用 小波分析方法分析了磁暴前后广州台宇宙线强度的频谱变化特征,结果表明,在磁暴前 宇宙线周期为16～32h的信号发生了较明显的变化,其中周期为24～32h的周期特征过去没有 被报道过. 广州台垂直方向宇宙线强度的谱在磁暴发生前48h就出现明显的变化,比各向异 性分析方法得到的时间提前量更大. 同时还分析了几个方向宇宙线强度的最强信号以及达到 最大值的时间,并进行了简要的分析与讨论.     

Effects in cosmic rays in March 1991

Using the spectrographic global survey method, variations in the rigidity spectrum and anisotropy of galactic cosmic rays (March 1991) have been studied using data from ground-based observations of cosmic rays (CR) at the worldwide network of stations. Variations in geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (GCR) have been calculated. The paper also presents latitudinal GCR variations at certain moments of the considered period for different geomagnetic field disturbance levels. Calculation results of GCR variations have been compared with those of effect of the westward current flowing with a strength proportional to the latitude cosine along parallels on the sphere, for different radii of the current ring in the dipole field.     

Impact of the geomagnetic field and solar radiation on climate change

Recent studies have shown that, in addition to the role of solar variability, past climate changes may have been connected with variations in the Earth??s magnetic field elements at various timescales. An analysis of variations in geomagnetic field elements, such as field intensity, reversals, and excursions, allowed us to establish a link between climate changes at various timescales over the last millennia. Of particular interest are sharp changes in the geomagnetic field intensity and short reversals of the magnetic poles (excursions). The beginning and termination of the examined geomagnetic excursions can be attributed to periods of climate change. In this study, we analyzed the possible link between short-term geomagnetic variability (jerks) and climate change, as well as the accelerated drift of the north magnetic pole and surface temperature variations. The results do not rule out the possibility that geomagnetic field variations which modulate the cosmic ray flux could have played a major role in climate change in addition to previously induced by solar radiation.     

Cosmic ray flux variations,modulated by the solar and terrestrial magnetic fields,and climate changes. Part 2: The time interval from ∼10000 to ∼100000 years ago

A joint analysis of paleodata on variations in cosmic ray fluxes, solar activity, geomagnetic field, and climate during the period from ～10000 to ～100000 years ago has been performed. Data on the time variations in the concentration of ¹⁴C and ¹⁰Be cosmogenic isotopes, which are generated in the Earth’s atmosphere under the action of cosmic ray fluxes modulated by solar activity and geomagnetic field variations, were used to detect variations in solar activity and the geomagnetic dipole. Information about climate changes has been obtained mainly from variations in the concentration of stable isotopes in the natural archives. A performed analysis indicates that the variations in cosmic ray fluxes under the action of variations in the geomagnetic field and solar activity are apparently one of the most effective natural factors of long-term climate changeability on a large time scale.     

Variations in the quasi-static electric field in the near-Earth’s atmosphere during geomagnetic storms in November 2004

The effects of the geomagnetic storms of November 8 and 10, 2004, in variations in the strength and power spectra of the electric field in the near-Earth’s atmosphere in Kamchatka were studied, together with the meteorological and geophysical phenomena observed simultaneously. A sequence of strong solar flares was shown to cause an anomalous increase in air temperature and humidity. This resulted in the excitation of anomalously strong thunderstorm processes in the atmosphere during the storm of November 8 and made it impossible to distinguish the effects associated with cosmic rays on this background. During the storm of November 10, on the background of weak variations in meteorological parameters, an increase in the strength and intensity of power spectra of the electric field on the day before the storm of November 10 was detected; it was followed by an attenuation of these parameters on the date of the storm. These effects were supposed to be associated with the action of cosmic rays on currents of the global electric circuit. It was shown that the influence of the Forbush effect of galactic cosmic rays in the power spectrum of the electric field first of all shows as the amplification of the component with the period T ～ 48 h; in variations in humidity, the effect shows as the amplification of the component with T ～ 24 h. Cause-and-effect relationships between variations in the electric field strength and the horizontal component of the geomagnetic field were shown to be absent both under the conditions of “fair weather” and during the storm of November 10. A diurnal negative-difference atmospheric pressure was detected on the second day after the geomagnetic storms of November 8 and 10.     

Cosmic ray geomagnetic cutoff rigidities in the magnetic field of two empirical models during a strong disturbance in November 2003: A comparison of models

Cosmic ray (CR) fluxes, which penetrate into the Earth??s magnetosphere and atmosphere from the interplanetary space, are an important factor of space weather. The geomagnetic field allows or forbids CR particles to enter into a given point in the magnetosphere depending on their energy. The geomagnetic cutoff rigidity regulates the distribution of CR fluxes in the magnetosphere. The geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (geomagnetic threshold) determination accuracy is closely related to the accuracy of the magnetospheric model used in calculations. Using a method for tracing of charged CR particle trajectories in the magnetic field of a model magnetosphere, we obtained geomagnetic thresholds for two magnetosphere empirical models (Ts01 and Ts04), constructed based on the same initial database. The Ts01 model describes the middle magnetosphere for certain conditions in the solar wind and interplanetary field. The Ts04 model pays the main attention to describing the large-scale evolution of magnetospheric currents during a storm. The theoretically obtained geomagnetic thresholds have been compared with experimental thresholds, calculated using the spectrographic global survey method based on data from the global network of CR stations. The study has been performed for the period of a strong geomagnetic storm that occurred in November 2003.     

The energy spectrum of Forbush decreases during the growth phase of solar cycle 24

The Forbush decrease energy spectrum, observed during the growth phase of cycle 24 in 2010–2012, was studied based on the measurements performed with the Kuzmin cosmic ray spectrograph. The data of the 24-NM-64 neutron monitor and muon telescopes, installed at water equivalent levels of 0, 7, 20, and 40 m, was used. The performed analysis indicated that a softer energy spectrum was observed during the growth phase of cycle 24 than during the previous cycle (cycle 23). The conclusion was been drawn that a more turbulent magnetic field with the predominant diffusion mechanism in the formation of the Forbush decreases in the cosmic ray intensity exists in the current cycle (cycle 24).     

Peculiarities of geomagnetic variations in the central part of the Russian platform

The instrumental observations of geomagnetic variations in the middle latitudes are analyzed. The main periodicities are revealed in the background local variations of the magnetic field of the Earth. Besides the 27–29-day variations, which are associated with the rotation of the Sun around its axis, also the harmonic components with periods of ～1, 6–8, 13–14, 57–60 days, and about a year are identified. It is shown that the periodicities in the background variations are both regular and sporadic. The peculiarities in the time behavior of some spectral components of geomagnetic variations are established.     

Reflection of the solar wind parameters in the CR geomagnetic cutoff rigidity before a strong magnetic storm in November 2003

The time variations in the CR geomagnetic cutoff rigidity and their relation to the interplanetary parameters and the Dst index during a strong magnetic storm of November 18–24, 2003, have been analyzed. The Tsyganenko (Ts03) model of a strongly disturbed magnetosphere [Tsyganenko, 2002a, 2002b; Tsyganenko et al., 2003] have been used to calculate effective geomagnetic thresholds with the help of the method for tracing CR particle trajectories in the magnetospheric magnetic field. The geomagnetic thresholds have been calculated using the method of global spectrographic survey (GSS), based on the data from the global network of CR stations, and the results have been compared with the effective geomagnetic cutoff rigidities. The daily anisotropy of effective geomagnetic thresholds during the Dst variation minimum have been estimated. The relation of the theoretical and experimental geomagnetic thresholds, obtained using the GSS method, to the interplanetary parameters and Dst variation is analyzed. The Dst variations, IMF B _z , and solar wind density are most clearly defined in the geomagnetic thresholds during this storm. The correlation between B _y and experimental geomagnetic thresholds is higher than such a correlation between this parameter and theoretical thresholds by a factor 2–3, which suggests that a real dawn-dusk asymmetry during this storm was stronger than such an asymmetry represented by the Ts03 model.