Solar variability and climate dynamics: An framework for analysis

Solar variability and climate dynamics: An framework for analysis

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  the variations in the quantity, intensity and distribution over the Earth of the solar output, including electromagnetic radiation, matter and the Sun’s electromagnetic field;
  
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  the variable gravitational force the Sun exerts on the Earth, the Moon and the Moon and the Earth as a system; and
  
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  the interactions between these processes.
  

In this regard, he seems to have been a relatively lone voice, then as now.

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  the Sun’s variable output of:
  
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    radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, and
    
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    matter (largely high energy electrons and protons, but including ions and atoms);
    
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  the Sun’s variable electromagnetic field; and
  
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  the Sun’s variable gravitational field especially through the lunisolar tides acting throughout the atmosphere, oceans and planet, including the Earth’s mantle, solid and molten cores; and
  
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  The Sun’s variable shape.
  

These solar variables, which are not entirely independent of each other, interact with each other, amplifying total solar impact. Attachment 4 provides an overview of the Sun.

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  The atmospheric, oceanic coupled systems, including a differential impact in relation to the structure of the Earth’s atmosphere (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and ionosphere). Different solar variables affect different layers of the atmosphere in different ways, sometimes resulting in an amplification of the Sun’s impact.
  
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  The ocean systems. The Sun’s influence is not confined to heating oceans’ surface from radiant heating, but extends throughout the vertical depth of the oceans principally through the variable effects of the lunisolar tides, which are, in part, the manifestation of the Sun’s variable gravitational field.
  
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  The tides acting throughout the atmosphere, global electric circuit, oceans and planet, including the Earth’s mantle, solid and molten cores. The cycles of the tides range from twice daily, fortnightly, 27 days and particular multiples of this period, 9.3, 18.6, 62, 93, 222 and 1,500 years and possibly longer periods.
  
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  The Rossby and Kelvin waves. These are large, slow inertial waves, or oscillations, that move through the atmosphere and the oceans, horizontally and vertically. Inertial waves are generated in any rotating fluid. They are therefore generated by the atmosphere and the oceans being part of the Earth, which is a rotating object. The inertial waves are, amongst other things, an effect of the Coriolis force generated by the Earth’s rotation.
  
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  The Earth’s rotation.
  
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  Atmospheric angular momentum.
  
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  The Earth’s dynamo.
  
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  The Earth’s electromagnetic field.
  
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  The global electric circuit.
  

Like the solar variables, these variables are not entirely independent of each other. They interact with each other, often amplifying total solar impact.

Solar variability and climate dynamics: overview of specific processes

Rottman (2006) explained that the output from solar activity is the dominant energy input into the Earth’s climate system. The atmosphere absorbs about 20% of solar radiation (globally averaged), establishing its structure, composition and temperature. About 30% is scattered and reflected back into space. The remaining 50% is absorbed at the surface, warming the land and the oceans and sustaining life. Changes in solar output have direct and indirect effects on the Earth’s climate system. According to Rottman (2006), implications of a solar role in the climate system are evident in most climate records.

The Sun’s electromagnetic radiation originates in the Sun’s toroidal (i.e. latitudinal) magnetic fields, whereas the matter produced by the Sun originates in its poloidal (i.e. longitudinal magnetic fields. These are necessarily connected as they are parts of the solar dynamo that drives solar activity. However, they have significant differences, which, in turn, have significant climate consequences.

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