Study of the cosmogenic factors influence on temporal variation of 7Be air concentration during the 23rd solar cycle in Málaga (South Spain)

Atmospheric 7Be activity concentrations were measured in Málaga (South Spain) during the period 1997–2007. Monthly concentrations of 7Be ranged between 2.47 and 8.12 mBq m−3 showing seasonal trend with maxima in spring–summer time. Influence of solar activity, cosmic rays and aerosol optical depth on airborne 7Be was analyzed. Weak negative correlation between sunspot number and 7Be is found. Instead, both solar energetic protons >100 MeV and cosmic rays show positive weak significant correlation with this radionuclide. Meteorology may contribute to the low correlation coefficients found. Aerosol optical depth exhibits significant correlation with 7Be, confirming that this radionuclide attaches to atmospheric particles.