Increased influx of stratospheric air into the lower troposphere after solar Hα and X ray flares

Abstract

Evidence is presented of increase in the frequency of influxes of stratospheric air masses down to 3 km above sea level after the occurrence of Hα and/or X ray flares. A significant maximum of 7Be and 32P concentrations in air was found at our measuring station (Zugspitze peak, 3 km above sea level, Bavarian Alps) on the second or third day after the flare event. Both radionuclides are by far preponderantly generated in the lower stratosphere. The concentration maximums coincide in time with maximums of solar wind velocity and geomagnetic index Ap. Elucidation of the chain of causation between solar event and injection of stratospheric air down to ground level is subject to thorough and protracted investigation. So much can be said now that use of this statistically evident solar-terrestrial relationship would be in order in the practical forecasting of influxes of stratospheric air into the biosphere.