Superposed Epoch Analysis of Galactic Cosmic Rays and Solar Wind based on ACE Observations During Two Recent Solar Minima

Abstract

Abstract Based on galactic cosmic ray (GCR) and plasma observations from the ACE spacecraft, in this work, we analyze the relation between the GCR counts and the solar wind parameters during two recent two solar minima (for the years 2007.0–2009.0, and 2016.5–2018.5) by means of the superposed epoch analysis (SEA) method. The results indicate that GCRs are strongly modulated by the co-rotating interaction regions (CIRs) in the solar wind, and that the occurrences of stream interfaces (SIs) between fast and slow solar wind are correlated with a depression in GCR counts. The so-called “snow plow” effect of GCR variation prior to SI crossing appears during the first solar minimum, and the GCR counts decrease after the crossing, corresponding to a sudden drop in the diffusion coefficient at the SIs. The gradient of GCR counts shows that the transport efficiency of GCRs is low (high), relative to slow (fast) solar wind. However, during the second solar minimum, we see a completely opposite scenario; the “snow plow” effect is not observed, and GCR transport becomes faster in slow solar wind, and slower in fast solar wind. In addition, heliospheric current-sheet crossings also correlate with GCR counts. Particles drift along the current sheet, then accumulate in a pileup structure, where diffusion and drift effects may be balanced. It is found that the drift effect rivals the diffusion and convection on the GCR transport at 1 au during the two solar minima.