Causes of Forbush decreases and other cosmic ray variations

The relationship between neutron monitor variations and the intensity variations of the interplanetary magnetic field is studied by using Deep River data and Imp series satellite data. In over 80% of the cases studied in 1968, identifiable depressions of the cosmic ray intensity are associated with magnetic field enhancements of several hours duration and intensity above 10 gamma. Conversely, almost every magnetic field enhancement has an identifiable effect (though not necessarily a marked depression) on the cosmic ray intensity. Perpendicular gradient drifts are suggested as one possible mechanism producing the individual decreases, and some ideas on the recovery processes are presented. Long-lasting Forbush decreases are found to be the consequence of the action of several successive magnetic field enhancements. Evidence is presented that indicates that most of these enhancements are caused by the steepening of streams in interplanetary space.