Cosmic rays, thunderstorm clouds, and possible influence on climate, 1. Formation of lead mesoatoms in neutron monitor by soft negative muons and expected atmospheric electric field effect in the cosmic ray neutron component
Abstract
We extend our model of cosmic ray atmospheric electric field effect on the case of neutron monitor. We take into account that about 0.07 of neutron monitor counting rate caused by negative soft muons captured by lead nucleons and formed mesoatoms with generation of several MeV energy neutrons from lead. In this case the neutron monitor or neutron supermonitor works as analyzer which detects muons of only one, negative sign. It is very important because the atmospheric electric field effect have opposite signs for positive and negative muons that main part of this effect in the muon telescope or in ionization chamber is compensated and we can observe only small part of total effect of one sign muons. On the basis of our general theory of cosmic ray meteorological effects with taking into account of negative soft muon acceleration and deceleration in the Earth atmosphere (in dependence of direction and intensity of electric field) we discuss the possibility of existing this effect in cosmic ray neutron component and made some rough estimations. We consider also the possible influence of CR (especially secondary electrons) on thunderstorms and lightnings. The possible mechanism of CR influence on climate change (through the CR influence on clouds) is discussed.
- Publication:
-
34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002cosp...34E1429D