After a prolonged and deep solar minimum at the end of Cycle 23, the currentSolar Cycle 24 is one of the lowest cycles. These two periods of deep minimumand mini maximum are separated by a period of increasing solar activity. Westudy the cosmic-ray intensity variation in relation with the solar activity,heliospheric plasma and field parameters, including the heliospheric currentsheet, during these three periods (phases) of different activity level andnature: (a) a deep minimum, (b) an increasing activity period and (c) a minimaximum. We use neutron monitor data from stations located around the globe tostudy the rigidity dependence on modulation during the two extremes, i.e.,minimum and maximum. We also study the time lag between the cosmic-rayintensity and various solar and interplanetary parameters separately during thethree activity phases. We also analyze the role of various parameters,including the current sheet tilt, in modulating the cosmic-ray intensity duringthe three different phases. Their relative importance and the implications ofour results are also discussed.
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