How does the sun's magnetic field affect weather and climate?

In summary, a recent study has found that the sun's magnetic field may have a significant impact on weather and climatic patterns in both the northern and southern hemispheres. This is in contrast to the commonly held belief that droughts are caused by the greenhouse effect. The study also suggests that the Earth's magnetic field may play a role in this relationship.
  • #1
wolram
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081202081449.htm

ScienceDaily (Dec. 3, 2008) — The sun’s magnetic field may have a significant impact on weather and climatic parameters in Australia and other countries in the northern and southern hemispheres. According to a study in Geographical Research, the droughts are related to the solar magnetic phases and not the greenhouse effect.
 
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  • #2
Thanks Wolram.

The correlation between solar activity and ocean cycles on local effects has been studied http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2008/2007JD009157.shtml:

...The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is detected as potential link between the Sun and Po River discharges, since it is significantly correlated with both solar activity and the decadal variability in the north Italian climate. In particular, positive (negative) NAO anomalies, which are associated with comparatively lower (higher) Po River discharges, are assessed to alternatively correlate at decadal timescales either with t or with the Earth’s geomagnetic activity (GA), which closely follows sunspot activity...
 
  • #3
wolram said:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081202081449.htm

ScienceDaily (Dec. 3, 2008) — The sun’s magnetic field may have a significant impact on weather and climatic parameters in Australia and other countries in the northern and southern hemispheres. According to a study in Geographical Research, the droughts are related to the solar magnetic phases and not the greenhouse effect.
The Earth's magnetic field must also play a role and this has declined in strength by ~5% in the past 150 years.
 
  • #4
I only have access to the September issue of Geo Res. Does someone here have the actual paper?
 
  • #5
Gokul43201 said:
I only have access to the September issue of Geo Res. Does someone here have the actual paper?

Sure Gokul; just Pm me a mail box.
 
  • #6
Done - thanks for the offer, Andre.
 

Related to How does the sun's magnetic field affect weather and climate?

1. How do magnetic fields affect weather patterns?

Magnetic fields play a significant role in shaping weather patterns on Earth. They can influence the formation and movement of clouds, as well as the intensity and direction of winds. Magnetic fields also have an impact on the Earth's atmospheric temperature and pressure, which are key factors in determining weather conditions.

2. Can magnetic fields cause extreme weather events?

While magnetic fields can influence weather patterns, they are not directly responsible for causing extreme weather events such as hurricanes or tornadoes. These events are typically the result of other factors, such as temperature differentials, air pressure systems, and moisture levels.

3. Do changes in Earth's magnetic field affect global climate change?

There is ongoing research on the potential link between Earth's magnetic field and global climate change. Some studies suggest that changes in the magnetic field could impact the Earth's climate by altering the amount of cosmic radiation that reaches the atmosphere. However, the exact nature of this relationship is still being studied and remains a topic of debate among scientists.

4. Can magnetic fields be used to predict weather patterns?

Magnetic fields are not typically used as a direct method for predicting weather patterns. However, they can be used in conjunction with other data, such as temperature and pressure readings, to create more accurate weather forecasts. In particular, magnetic fields are useful for predicting the behavior of solar storms, which can have a significant impact on Earth's weather.

5. How do scientists study the effects of magnetic fields on weather?

Scientists use a variety of methods to study the effects of magnetic fields on weather. This includes collecting data from satellites, ground-based sensors, and atmospheric measurements. They also use computer models to simulate the behavior of magnetic fields and their impact on weather patterns. Additionally, researchers conduct experiments in controlled environments to better understand the relationship between magnetic fields and weather.

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