Solar influence on terrestrial weather and global lightning patterns via cosmic ray modulations

A series of cosmic ray neutron monitor data which were used in three analyses: (1) solar activity influence on ionization of the upper troposphere and tropopause; (2) solar activity influence on Canadian high stratus in winter; and (3) the S3-4 satellite study of IMF/GMF magnetic coupling effects are reported. The magnetic coupling model of solar activity influence on atmospheric processes were investigated. The magnetic coupling model is used to explain a number of seemingly diverse studies lightning incidence is emphasized.