Abstract
The controversial connection between cosmic rays, solar activity, and cloud cover is investigated using a climatological reconstructed reanalysis product: the North American Regional Reanalysis which provides high-resolution, low, mid-level, high, and total cloud cover data over a Lambert conformal conic projection permitting land/ocean discrimination. Pearson’s product-moment regional correlations were obtained between monthly cloud cover data and solar variability indicators, cosmic ray neutron monitors, several climatological indices, including the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), and between cloud layers. Regions of the mid-latitude oceans exhibited a positive correlation with cosmic ray flux. Additionally, this maritime low cloud cover exhibits the only failed correlation significance with other altitudes. The cross correlation reveals that cloud cover is positively correlated everywhere but for ocean low cloud cover, supporting the unique response of the marine layer. The results of this investigation suggest that with the assumption that solar forcing does impact cloud cover, measurements of solar activity exhibits a slightly higher correlation than GCRs. The only instance where GCRs exhibit a positive regional correlation with cloud cover is for maritime low clouds. The AMO exerts the greatest control of cloud cover in the NARR domain.
Highlights
Solar variability has long been suspected as having a significant influence on climate change
The cross correlation reveals that cloud cover is positively correlated everywhere but for ocean low cloud cover, supporting the unique response of the marine layer
The only instance where galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) exhibit a positive regional correlation with cloud cover is for maritime low clouds
Summary
Solar variability has long been suspected as having a significant influence on climate change. Solar cycles of magnetic variability result in changes in the luminal spectra of the sun, the properties of the solar wind, and the flux of galactic cosmic rays incident on Earth’s atmosphere. Changes in the total solar irradiance (TSI) with enhanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission have been hypothesized to induce a dynamic air/ ocean circulation response resulting from stratospheric ozone production (Lean & Rind 1998). The configuration of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) deflects and entrains galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) that transits the sphere of influence controlled by the sun, i.e., the heliosphere. GCR flux and its correlation with cloud cover remain the most controversial of potential variables influencing the climate system
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
