Cosmic Rays, Ozone Depletion and Climate Change

Dear Colleagues,

Cosmic rays (CRs) are energetic charged particles (mostly protons) originating from deep space. CRs are the major source of ionization in the stratosphere and troposphere below 60 km, which may affect the Earth's atmosphere, environment and climate. Atmospheric ionization caused by primary CRs leads to the formation of numerous lower-energy secondary particles, which may affect various atmospheric processes: (1) charge-dependent formation of aerosol particles and clouds, (2) charge-induced adsorption on aerosol or cloud particle surfaces, (3) charge-induced chemical reactions, and (4) changes in the global electric circuit. Several intriguing connections between CR flux variations and atmospheric processes such as stratospheric ozone depletion and low cloud cover have been observed, and physical mechanisms for the impacts of CRs have been proposed. However, they need to be investigated further to obtain a reliable and quantitative understanding of the CR effects on Earth’s atmosphere, environment and climate on a global scale, likely through co-interactions with anthropogenic drivers.

This Special Issue invites original or review papers on the state-of-the-art knowledge in different aspects of impact of CRs and low-energy secondary charged particles (electrons and ions) on the atmospheric ozone layer, global climate, space weather and atmospheric electricity. Results from laboratory measurements, observations (in situ and remote sensing), and modelling studies are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Qing-Bin Lu
Guest Editor

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