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

Atmospheric 7 Be activity concentrations were measured in Málaga (South Spain) during the period 1997–2007. Monthly concentrations of 7 Be 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 7 Be was analyzed. Weak negative correlation between sunspot number and 7 Be 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 7 Be, confirming that this radionuclide attaches to atmospheric particles.