Cosmic ray-aerosol-cloud interactions in the atmospheric environment: Theoretical aspects

Abstract

The microphysical and radiative processes involved in the interaction of cosmic radiation with the aerosol particulates in the atmosphere aggravate the ion-induced formation of aerosol particles that can act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). This may in turn affect the cloud droplet distribution and optical properties of clouds and enhance the process of rising global temperature depending upon the microphysical mechanism. Major observational information about the abundance of aerosols in the tropical atmosphere are obtained from the Indian Ocean experiment (INDOEX) field experiments and about the solar activity and solar cycle from the satellite observations. It has been noticed that when solar activity is less, more cosmic rays pass through the atmosphere, which activate the aerosols already present in the tropical atmosphere. The fluctuations in the cosmic rays due to variations in the solar activity can produce significant changes in the atmospheric environment. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.