Eleven-year solar cycle variations in the atmosphere: observations, mechanisms and models

The understanding of natural and anthropogenic climatic change is an important issue in recent studies. The influence of the Sun (11-year solar cycle) as a natural variability factor on the atmosphere is discussed. Statistical studies with observational data (NCEP/NCAR re-analyses) covering four sol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Holocene (Sevenoaks) 2003-01, Vol.13 (3), p.311-317
Main Authors: Labitzke, K., Matthes, K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Environmental studies
Geology and climatology
Methodology and general studies
Prehistory and protohistory
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Summary:The understanding of natural and anthropogenic climatic change is an important issue in recent studies. The influence of the Sun (11-year solar cycle) as a natural variability factor on the atmosphere is discussed. Statistical studies with observational data (NCEP/NCAR re-analyses) covering four solar cycles show high correlations between the 11 -year solar signal and meteorological parameters, e.g., the geopotential heights and temperatures, in the lower stratosphere and troposphere. Studies with general circulation models (GCM) have discussed the possibility of an indirect dynamical response to direct changes in solar irradiance and ozone in the stratosphere. A physical mechanism explaining the solar influence on the atmosphere is still missing. Part of the mechanism understood so far and ideas from model and observational studies are presented.
ISSN:0959-6836
1477-0911
DOI:10.1191/0959683603hl623rp