The global signal of the 11-year sunspot cycle in the stratosphere: Differences between solar maxima and minima

Abstract

Based on the data of 4 solar cycles, the global structure of the signal of the 11-year sunspot cycle (SSC) in the stratosphere and troposphere was examined in earlier studies, using correlations between the solar cycle and heights and temperatures at different pressure levels. Here, this work is expanded to show the differences of geopotential heights and temperatures between maxima and minima of the SSC. The global solar signal is shown and the differences between the hemispheres are stressed. It is pointed out that during the northern winter (January/February) the QBO modulates the global solar signal. This study puts the earlier work on a firmer ground and gives the community of modellers, who simulate the solar signal with GCMs, quantitative values for comparison.