Chapter 2 - Solar Activity Influence on Cosmophysical and Geophysical Processes

Abstract

This chapter describes the processes of solar activity, with sunspots as the center of such magnetic activity. The role of the magnetic field is emphasized as the fundamental factor of solar activity. The phenomenon of solar flares is analyzed as the main source of corpuscular and electromagnetic radiation. The acceleration of local particles to become energetic solar particles (ESP) are briefly discussed, and the so-called solar cosmic ray, when energy is so high that they penetrate the Earth at ground level. The solar corona is revealed as the site of most solar flares, where radiation covering most of the electromagnetic spectrum is generated. The fundamental agent of the solar influence on the Earth, namely the solar wind is discussed in terms of the disturbances induced in the interplanetary medium and the Earth environment, as well as the consequences of its impact with the terrestrial magnetosphere. A description of the effect of galactic cosmic radiation interaction with the interplanetary magnetic field and on the Earth is given. Forecasting techniques of space phenomena at Earth level and in space is illustrated. The connection of solar activity with geomagnetic processes and the role of interplanetary magnetic fields on Earth atmospheric processes is also addressed. Particular attention is given to the solar activity cycle of 11 years and other cycles of solar activity that are not so well known.