Dependence of cosmic-ray transport on the orientation of the solar magnetic dipole

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the dependence of cosmic-ray transport in the interplanetary space on the polarity configuration of the solar and interplanetary magnetic fields. The diffusion mechanism is not only related to the irregularities present in the interplanetary magnetic field, but also to its regular structure, because of the curvature and gradient drifts of the particles. Hence diffusion is affected by the polarity reversals of the interplanetary magnetic dipole which are related to the reversals of the solar dipole. As a consequence a phase reversal of both the annual and semi-annual variations in the cosmic-ray intensity occurs. This effect has been studied throughout the period 1954–1976, by analysing the Climax neutron monitor data. In addition, the latitudinal distribution of the average solar activity itself in this period changes simultaneously to the polarity reversals of the solar polar fields.