The solar-wind modulation of cosmic-ray intensity

Abstract

It is shown from a consideration of the diffusion of cosmic rays in interplanetary space that the convection of particles by the solar wind is an important effect and hence should be incorporated in all discussions of the propagation of cosmic rays. This provides a common basis for looking at the correlation between relative changes of solar-wind velocity and changes of cosmic-ray intensity. The correlation is shown to be negative and significant. The correlation coefficient is large for a Forbush event, indicating that convection plays a dominant role during the event as contrasted with the normal pattern of changes of cosmic-ray intensity. The 11-year variation of cosmic-ray intensities and the Forbush event receive a natural interpretation on the basis of this discussion.