Average parameters of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field at the earth's orbit for the last three solar cycles

Long-term variations of the averaged density and other parameters of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field are analyzed using the data obtained from direct measurements at the Earth's orbit from 1964 to 1996. A general trend is revealed for the entire period along with quite pronounced but comparatively small variations during solar cycles 20, 21, and 22. The results obtained highlight the important role of different sources of the solar wind. At different phases of the solar cycle, open, closed, and intermittent magnetic-field configurations are typical of these sources.