Causes of long-term variations in galactic cosmic ray intensity in the inner heliosphere

Abstract

Alternative points of view on the main reasons for the long-term (11- and 22-year) variations in the galactic cosmic ray intensity observed at the Earth’s orbit are discussed. Arguments are given in support of the opinion that the influence of the poloidal branch of solar activity on the 11-year variation in GCR intensity is important. Approaches toward a phenomenological description of the behavior of GCR intensity are discussed.