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Atmosphere
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Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation
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Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Upper Atmosphere".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 26475

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Maxim G. Ogurtsov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Cosmic Ray Physics, Ioffe Physico‐Technical Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
Interests: solar paleoastrophysics; solar activity; solar–climatic relationship; paleoclimatology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate has a long history as an important determinant of the social and economic development of humankind. That is why changes to the Earth’s climate, particularly the global warming of the 20th century, have already transferred from the field of pure science into the international political agenda. The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for the terrestrial atmosphere. Solar activity is a set of non-stationary phenomena and processes in the Sun’s atmosphere connected to changes in solar magnetic fields. Studies of the relationship between solar activity and atmospheric processes are of great importance to understand the causes of the Earth’s climate variability and to predict its future evolution. Recently, a large number of experimental data have been obtained testifying to the reality of solar–atmospheric links. The possibility of solar contribution to atmospheric processes is currently actively debated. However, the mechanism of solar effects on the atmosphere is likely complicated and can include a set of physical agents, such as cosmic ray flux, visible and ultraviolet solar irradiance, and interplanetary magnetic fields. Moreover, the connection between solar activity and the atmospheric processes likely changes with time: it may weaken and even disappear depending on the time interval. That is why clarification of the physical mechanism of solar influence on atmospheric processes requires further systematic efforts of many researchers.

Dr. Maxim G. Ogurtsov
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • solar activity
  • cosmic rays
  • atmospheric circulation
  • climatology

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 9614 KiB  
Article
Impact of Solar Activity on Global Atmospheric Circulation Based on SD-WACCM-X Simulations from 2002 to 2019
by Chen-Ke-Min Teng, Sheng-Yang Gu, Yusong Qin and Xiankang Dou
Atmosphere 2021, 12(11), 1526; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12111526 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3334
Abstract
In this study, a global atmospheric model, Specified Dynamics Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere eXtension (SD-WACCM-X), and the residual circulation principle were used to study the global atmospheric circulation from the lower to upper atmosphere (~500 km) from 2002 [...] Read more.
In this study, a global atmospheric model, Specified Dynamics Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere eXtension (SD-WACCM-X), and the residual circulation principle were used to study the global atmospheric circulation from the lower to upper atmosphere (~500 km) from 2002 to 2019. Our analysis shows that the atmospheric circulation is clearly influenced by solar activity, especially in the upper atmosphere, which is mainly characterized by an enhanced atmospheric circulation in years with high solar activity. The atmospheric circulation in the upper atmosphere also exhibits an ~11 year period, and its variation is highly correlated with the temporal variation in the F10.7 solar index during the same time series, with a maximum correlation coefficient of up to more than 0.9. In the middle and lower atmosphere, the impact of solar activity on the atmospheric circulation is not as obvious as in the upper atmosphere due to some atmospheric activities such as the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO), El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), volcanic forcing, and so on. By comparing the atmospheric circulation in different latitudinal regions between years with high and low solar activity, we found the atmospheric circulation in mid- and high-latitude regions is more affected by solar activity than in low-latitude and equatorial regions. In addition, clear seasonal variation in atmospheric circulation was detected in the global atmosphere, excluding the regions near 10−4 hPa and the lower atmosphere, which is mainly characterized by a flow from the summer hemisphere to the winter hemisphere. In the middle and low atmosphere, the atmospheric circulation shows a quasi-biennial oscillatory variation in the low-latitude and equatorial regions. This work provides a referable study of global atmospheric circulation and demonstrates the impacts of solar activity on global atmospheric circulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation)
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28 pages, 7230 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Atmospheric Circulation Patterns Using Mass Fluxes Calculated from Weather Balloon Measurements: North Atlantic Region as a Case Study
by Michael Connolly, Ronan Connolly, Willie Soon, Víctor M. Velasco Herrera, Rodolfo Gustavo Cionco and Nancy E. Quaranta
Atmosphere 2021, 12(11), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12111439 - 30 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5089
Abstract
In recent decades, efforts to investigate atmospheric circulation patterns have predominantly relied on either semi-empirical datasets (i.e., reanalyses) or modeled output (i.e., global climate models, GCMs). While both approaches can provide important insights, there is a need for more empirical data to supplement [...] Read more.
In recent decades, efforts to investigate atmospheric circulation patterns have predominantly relied on either semi-empirical datasets (i.e., reanalyses) or modeled output (i.e., global climate models, GCMs). While both approaches can provide important insights, there is a need for more empirical data to supplement these approaches. In this paper, we demonstrate how the application of relatively simple calculations to the basic measurements from a standard weather balloon radiosonde can provide a vertical profile of the horizontal atmospheric mass fluxes. These mass fluxes can be resolved into their meridional (north/south) and zonal (east/west) components. This provides a new useful empirical tool for analyzing atmospheric circulations. As a case study, we analyze the results for a selected five stations along a fairly constant meridian in the North Atlantic sector from 2015–2019. For each station, we find the atmospheric mass flux profiles from the lower troposphere to mid-stratosphere are surprisingly coherent, suggesting stronger interconnection between the troposphere and stratosphere than previously thought. Although our five stations span a region nominally covered by the classical polar, Ferrel and Hadley meridional circulation cells, the results are inconsistent with those expected for polar and Ferrel cells and only partially consistent with that of a Hadley cell. However, the region is marked by very strong prevailing westerly (west to east) mass fluxes for most of the atmosphere except for the equatorial surface easterlies (“trade winds”). We suggest that the extension of the techniques of this case study to other stations and time periods could improve our understanding of atmospheric circulation patterns and their time variations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation)
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13 pages, 3578 KiB  
Article
Chinese Sunspot Drawings and Their Digitizations-(VI) Extreme Value Theory Applied to the Sunspot Number Series from the Purple Mountain Observatory
by Yan-Qing Chen, Sheng Zheng, Yan-Shan Xiao, Shu-Guang Zeng, Tuan-Hui Zhou and Gang-Hua Lin
Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091176 - 13 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1837
Abstract
Based on the daily sunspot number (SN) data (1954–2011) from the Purple Mountain Observatory, the extreme value theory (EVT) is employed for the research of the long-term solar activity. It is the first time that the EVT is applied on the Chinese SN. [...] Read more.
Based on the daily sunspot number (SN) data (1954–2011) from the Purple Mountain Observatory, the extreme value theory (EVT) is employed for the research of the long-term solar activity. It is the first time that the EVT is applied on the Chinese SN. Two methods are used for the research of the extreme events with EVT. One method is the block maxima (BM) approach, which picks the maximum SN value of each block. Another one is the peaks-over-threshold (POT) approach. After a declustering process, a threshold value (here it is 300) is set to pick the extreme values. The negative shape parameters are obtained by the two methods, respectively, indicating that there is an upper bound for the extreme SN value. Only one value of the N-year return level (RL) is estimated: N = 19 years. For N = 19 years, the RL values of SN obtained by two methods are similar with each other. The RL values are found to be 420 for the POT method and the BM method. Here, the trend of 25th solar cycle is predicted to be stronger, indicating that the length of meridional forms of atmospheric circulation will be increased. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation)
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14 pages, 2437 KiB  
Article
Polyphony of Short-Term Climatic Variations
by Dmitry M. Sonechkin and Nadezda V. Vakulenko
Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091145 - 5 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2586
Abstract
It is widely accepted to believe that humanity is mainly responsible for the worldwide temperature growth during the period of instrumental meteorological observations. This paper aims to demonstrate that it is not so simple. Using a wavelet analysis on the example of the [...] Read more.
It is widely accepted to believe that humanity is mainly responsible for the worldwide temperature growth during the period of instrumental meteorological observations. This paper aims to demonstrate that it is not so simple. Using a wavelet analysis on the example of the time series of the global mean near-surface air temperature created at the American National Climate Data Center (NCDC), some complex structures of inter-annual to multidecadal global mean temperature variations were discovered. The origin of which seems to be better attributable to the Chandler wobble in the Earth’s Pole motion, the Luni-Solar nutation, and the solar activity cycles. Each of these external forces is individually known to climatologists. However, it is demonstrated for the first time that responses of the climate system to these external forces in their integrity form a kind of polyphony superimposed on a general warming trend. Certainly, the general warming trend as such remains to be unconsidered. However, its role is not very essential in the timescale of a few decades. Therefore, it is this polyphony that will determine climate evolution in the nearest future, i.e., during the time most important for humanity currently. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation)
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26 pages, 4167 KiB  
Article
The European Beech Annual Tree Ring Widths Time Series, Solar–Climatic Relationships and Solar Dynamo Regime Changes
by Boris Komitov
Atmosphere 2021, 12(7), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12070829 - 28 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2850
Abstract
In this study, the results from the analysis of annual ring widths (‘Dm’) time series of two “very sensitive” to the climate and solar–climate relationships of long lived European beech (Fagus sylvatica) samples (on age of 209 ± 1 [...] Read more.
In this study, the results from the analysis of annual ring widths (‘Dm’) time series of two “very sensitive” to the climate and solar–climate relationships of long lived European beech (Fagus sylvatica) samples (on age of 209 ± 1 and 245 ± 5 years correspondingly) are discussed. Both series are characterized by very good expressed and relating to the solar magnetic Hale cycle 20–22-year oscillations. A good coincidence between the changes of ‘Dm’ and the growth or fading of the solar magnetic cycle is found. The transition effects at the beginning and ending of the grand Dalton (1793–1833) and Gleissberg minima (1898–1933) are very clearly visible in the annual tree ring width data for the one of beech samples. Some of these effects are also detected in the second sample. The problem for the possible “lost” sunspot cycle at the end of 18th century is also discussed. A prediction for a possible “phase catastrophe” during the future Zurich sunspot cycles 26 and 27 between 2035–2040 AD as well as for general precipitation upward and temperature fall tendencies in Central Bulgaria, more essential after 2030 AD, are brought forth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation)
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25 pages, 4158 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Variations of Global Solar Radiation and Atmospheric Constituents at Sodankylä in the Arctic
by Jianhui Bai, Anu Heikkilä and Xuemei Zong
Atmosphere 2021, 12(6), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12060749 - 9 Jun 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3500
Abstract
An empirical model of global solar irradiance (EMGSI) under all sky conditions was developed by using solar radiation and meteorological parameters at Sodankylä. The calculated hourly global solar irradiance is in agreement with that observed at the ground during 2008–2011 and at the [...] Read more.
An empirical model of global solar irradiance (EMGSI) under all sky conditions was developed by using solar radiation and meteorological parameters at Sodankylä. The calculated hourly global solar irradiance is in agreement with that observed at the ground during 2008–2011 and at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). This model is used to calculate the global solar irradiance at the ground and its attenuation in the atmosphere due to absorbing and scattering substances in 2000–2018. The sensitivity test indicates that the responses of global solar irradiance to changes in water vapor and scattering factors are nonlinear and negative, and global solar irradiance is more sensitive to changes in scattering (expressed by the scattering factor S/G, S and G are diffuse and global solar radiation, respectively) than to changes in water vapor. Using this empirical model, we calculated the albedos at the TOA and the surface, which are in agreement with the satellite-retrieved values. A good relationship between S/G and aerosol optical depth (AOD) was determined and used to estimate AOD in 2000–2018. An empirical model for estimation of tropospheric NO2 vertical column density (VCD) was also developed and used to calculate tropospheric NO2 VCD in 2000–2018. During 2000–2018, the estimated global solar irradiance decreased by 0.92%, and diffuse irradiance increased by 1.28% per year, which is ascribed to the increases of S/G (1.73%) and water vapor (0.43%). Annual surface air temperature increases by 0.07 °C per year. Annual mean loss of global solar irradiance caused by absorbing and scattering substances and total loss are 1.94, 1.17 and 3.11 MJ m−2, respectively. Annual mean losses of absorbing and scattering global solar irradiance show negative and positive trends, respectively, and the annual total loss increases by 0.24% per year. Annual mean losses due to absorption were much larger than those due to scattering. The calculated albedos at the TOA are smaller than at the surface. The calculated and satellite-retrieved annual albedos decrease at the TOA and increase at the surface. During 2000–2018, annual means of the AOD and the tropospheric NO2 VCD increased by 8.23% and 0.03% per year, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation)
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7 pages, 534 KiB  
Article
Decadal and Bi-Decadal Periodicities in Temperature of Southern Scandinavia: Manifestations of Natural Variability or Climatic Response to Solar Cycles?
by Maxim Ogurtsov
Atmosphere 2021, 12(6), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12060676 - 25 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
Nine proxies of temperature over the last 225–300 years in Southern Fennoscandia (55–63° N) were analyzed. Seven reconstructions of the mean growing season temperatures were obtained by dendroclimatological methods. Reconstructions of spring temperatures in Stockholm and winter temperatures in Tallinn were based on [...] Read more.
Nine proxies of temperature over the last 225–300 years in Southern Fennoscandia (55–63° N) were analyzed. Seven reconstructions of the mean growing season temperatures were obtained by dendroclimatological methods. Reconstructions of spring temperatures in Stockholm and winter temperatures in Tallinn were based on historical documentary sources. It was found that significant decadal (10–13 years) and bi-decadal (22–25 years) periodicities were present in many of these series during the entire time interval. Four proxy records correlated significantly with the quasi 22-year solar cycle of Hale. Three time series correlated significantly with the quasi 11-year solar cycle of Schwabe. This can be considered as evidence of a link between decadal and bi-decadal changes in solar activity and climate in Southern Fennoscandia. On the other hand, signs of correlation differed, as well as the time shift between the solar and temperature cycles. It is difficult to explain such an intricate relationship and, thus, the physical mechanism of solar−climatic linkages remains unclear. That is why assumptions about the purely occasional appearance of correlations cannot yet be rejected. Guidelines for further research are suggested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation)
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19 pages, 3969 KiB  
Article
Surface and Tropospheric Response of North Atlantic Summer Climate from Paleoclimate Simulations of the Past Millennium
by Maria Pyrina, Eduardo Moreno-Chamarro, Sebastian Wagner and Eduardo Zorita
Atmosphere 2021, 12(5), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12050568 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3180
Abstract
We investigate the effects of solar forcing on the North Atlantic (NA) summer climate, in climate simulations with Earth System Models (ESMs), over the preindustrial past millennium (AD 850–1849). We use one simulation and a four-member ensemble performed with the MPI-ESM-P and CESM-LME [...] Read more.
We investigate the effects of solar forcing on the North Atlantic (NA) summer climate, in climate simulations with Earth System Models (ESMs), over the preindustrial past millennium (AD 850–1849). We use one simulation and a four-member ensemble performed with the MPI-ESM-P and CESM-LME models, respectively, forced only by low-scaling variations in Total Solar Irradiance (TSI). We apply linear methods (correlation and regression) and composite analysis to estimate the NA surface and tropospheric climatic responses to decadal solar variability. Linear methods in the CESM ensemble indicate a weak summer response in sea-level pressure (SLP) and 500-hPa geopotential height to TSI, with decreased values over Greenland and increased values over the NA subtropics. Composite analysis indicates that, during high-TSI periods, SLP decreases over eastern Canada and the geopotential height at 500-hPa increases over the subtropical NA. The possible summer response of SSTs is overlapped by model internal variability. Therefore, for low-scaling TSI changes, state-of-the-art ESMs disagree on the NA surface climatic effect of solar forcing indicated by proxy-based studies during the preindustrial millennium. The analysis of control simulations indicates that, in all climatic variables studied, spurious patterns of apparent solar response may arise from the analysis of single model simulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Links between Solar Activity and Atmospheric Circulation)
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