Relativistic cosmic rays and corotating interaction regions

Journal Article · Tue Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA086iA09p07473· OSTI ID:5804587

Duggal, S P; Tsurutani, B T; Pomerantz, M A; Tsao, C H; Smith, E J

Analyses of relativistic galactic cosmic ray intensity variations have been conducted to determine the nature of the modulations that are related to the presence of corotating interaction regions (CIR) in interplanetary space. The corotating interaction regions have been identified from the plasma and field observations recorded by Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecrafts during the period 1972--1974. This investigation has established that the nucleonic intensity recorded at the polar stations Thule and McMurdo decreases as the streams associated with the CIR overtake the earth. However, this modulation occurs only for those CIR-associated streams in which a neutral sheet is imbedded. In contrast, geomagnetic storms are related to CIR streams with or without neutral sheets. Taken together, these results suggest that the ostensible effect of CIR'S on the intensity of high-energy particles is primarily a consequence of drifts related to neutral sheets, although diffusion effects cannot be ruled out at this stage.

• Research Organization: Bartol Research Foundation of The Franklin Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19711
• OSTI ID: 5804587
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 86:A9; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640101* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Cosmic Radiation
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC RADIATION
COSMIC RAY FLUX
COSMIC RAY PROPAGATION
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS
INTERPLANETARY SPACE
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC STORMS
PLASMA DRIFT
PRIMARY COSMIC RADIATION
RADIATION FLUX
RADIATIONS
SPACE
VARIATIONS