Summary
High speed charged particles bombarding the upper atmosphere at near relativistic speeds in both solar and cosmic rays could have a significant impact on the weather by creating ions that can act as condensation nuclei for water droplets. Improved understanding of the links between these processes in the upper atmosphere and the physics of cloud formation therefore has great potential benefit for both weather and longer term climate forecasting.
To reach such an understanding, this interdisciplinary ESF study has two specific objectives. First, it aims to generate global, regional and local models to relate electrical changes in the ionosphere to the distribution of galactic, solar and magnetospheric charged particles. The second objective is then to quantify the relationship between these changes and the distribution of cloud and rainfall, which would in turn provide useful input to weather forecasters and climate modellers.
Duration
Two years, from June 1999 to December 2000.
