Cosmic Rays in Relation to Space Weather

Abstract

A review of selected experimental re~ult.s relevant for the use of cosmic my records in Space Weather research is presented. Inte111lanctary perturbcltions, initiated in the solar atmosphere, affect galactic cosmic rays. In some cases their influence on the cosmic ray intensity results in data signatures that can posMbly be used to predict geomagnetic storm onsets. Case studies iilustrating the complexity of the cosmic ray effects and related geomagnetic activity precursors are discussed. It is shown that some indices for cosmic ray activity are good tools for testing the reliability of cosmic ray characteristics for Weather forecasts. A brief summary of the influence of cosmic rays on the ozone iayer b also given. The use of cosmic ray data for Space Weather purposes is still in it;; infant stage. but suggestions for hoth case and statist.ical studie~ are made.