Influence of variations of the cosmic rays on atmospheric pressure and temperature in the Southern geomagnetic pole region

Daily data of pressure, temperature, and wind observations at Antarctic sta tion Vostok in 1981-1991 have been analyzed with regard to the cosmic-rays variations. Case study and statistical treatment of the data provide the fo llowing results. The beginning of the Forbush decrease of galactic cosmic r ays is followed within one day by significant warming of the atmosphere (ab out 10 degrees) at altitudes h < 6-7 km in the near-pole region. The durati on of warming is about 1 day, then the atmosphere quickly reverted to previ ous temperature conditions. The Forbush decrease is accompanied by reductio n of atmospheric pressure at all altitudes below 20 km, the magnitude of re duction being maximal at higher altitudes. The reduction of atmospheric pre ssure can develop synchronously with the Forbush decrease or can be delayed for 1-5 days depending on the preceding trends in the meteorological proce sses, occurrence of the solar proton spikes, and intensity of the Forbush d ecrease. Spikes of solar cosmic rays affect within 0-2 days the increase of atmospheric pressure at altitudes of 10-15 km. The troposphere warming and reduction of the pressure in low stratosphere and troposphere is followed within 0-6 days by reconstruction of the whole wind system above the near-p ole region. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.