Recent research indicates that solar activities can influence Earth's seasonal cycles and contribute to climate change. Historical evidence, including glacial data and past weather events, suggests that certain climatic changes have been affected by solar activities.
Solar activities, particularly sunspots and solar flares, significantly impact solar radiation intensity. Solar radiation encompasses a range of energies and rays emitted from the sun's surface. Increased solar activity leads to a rise in solar radiation and consequently an increase in charged particles propelled by solar winds. These cycles typically occur over an 11-year period, during which solar activity peaks. Scientists measure and analyze these changes through precise astronomical observations and instruments for radiation and solar magnetic fields.
Solar cycles, especially the 11-year cycles, may have limited effects on Earth's surface temperature and weather conditions. During periods of heightened solar activity, the intensity of solar radiation increases, potentially causing changes in the Earth's atmosphere. Different regions of the Earth exhibit varying sensitivities to changes in solar radiation; however, these effects are considerably less significant compared to human-induced factors, such as greenhouse gas emissions. Ongoing research aims to clarify the precise impact of these solar variations on Earth's temperature.
Some studies indicate connections between solar activity and phenomena such as thunderstorms and droughts, although these correlations require further investigation. Numerous factors contribute to events like droughts, many of which are human-induced. Therefore, differentiating solar impacts from other influences remains complex, resulting in limited and unstable data.
Solar phenomena, including flares and sunspots, fluctuate during periods of increased solar activity due to magnetic disturbances on the sun's surface. The sun, being a massive gas body, has varying rotational speeds in different sections, which can disrupt its magnetic field lines, leading to sunspot formation and material ejection. When charged particles from these flares and solar winds reach Earth, they can affect the atmosphere, communication systems, and even weather patterns. Although their impact is limited compared to human factors, they may induce minor changes in weather conditions and climate.
Solar activity changes can influence the general atmospheric circulation and weather patterns, such as El Niño and La Niña. Although the solar effects on weather patterns are relatively limited, some research suggests that solar fluctuations can have minor impacts on the intensity and distribution of certain weather phenomena. More detailed studies are needed to separate these effects from other climate variables.
Changes in solar radiation have limited short-term effects on Earth’s seasonal cycles; however, over the long term, such changes can transform these cycles. Research indicates that among various climate change factors, human impacts and greenhouse gas emissions are the strongest determinants. Therefore, while solar radiation can contribute to global warming, its influence is minimal compared to greenhouse gas effects. These phenomena, although observable, require more extensive studies to accurately assess the sun's role in climate change.
Scientists utilize climate models to predict the impact of solar activities on weather changes. Solar activities are somewhat predictable, and researchers focusing on solar weather monitor these activities through international collaborations. The presence of sunspots in cyclical patterns aids scientists in forecasting these changes. As solar winds increase, crisis response teams monitor satellite and radio communications, as intense solar activities can cause significant disruptions. These predictions are accompanied by detailed studies on sunspots and magnetic storms to evaluate their potential effects on electrical systems, power plants, and international communications.
Solar fluctuations may influence global warming, but their impact is considerably less than that of human activities and greenhouse gas emissions. Human activities and the greenhouse effect form the primary basis for global warming, and these phenomena exacerbate even minor solar effects. For instance, pollutants in urban areas contribute to trapping solar heat, while cleaner regions, like deserts, allow heat to escape more easily. Consequently, the primary driver of global warming is the greenhouse effect created by human actions, with solar activities playing a marginal role.
Increased solar radiation can exacerbate ozone layer depletion, especially during periods of intensified solar activity. However, human impacts on ozone depletion far exceed those of solar influences. Industrial emissions are the primary contributors to ozone layer degradation, with increased solar radiation acting as a secondary factor.
Historical records indicate that past solar activities have coincided with significant weather events. Geological studies and historical data, including glacial and tree ring data, provide evidence of solar activities correlating with specific weather occurrences. One notable event is the Carrington Event in 1859, the largest recorded geomagnetic storm, which caused fires in telegraph lines and auroras at lower latitudes. Similarly, a solar storm in 1989 resulted in power outages in Quebec, Canada, and disrupted satellite services. In 2003, solar flares caused GPS and radio communication disruptions, while widespread navigation system disturbances occurred in 2017, prompting some companies to alter flight paths.
Reported by Maryam Torkzad, ISNA