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Solar variability, dimethyl sulphide, clouds, and climate
Author(s) -
Larsen S. H.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
global biogeochemical cycles
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.512
H-Index - 187
eISSN - 1944-9224
pISSN - 0886-6236
DOI - 10.1029/2004gb002333
Subject(s) - environmental science , solar variation , atmospheric sciences , meteorology , climatology , astrobiology , geology , geography , physics
It is proposed that Earth's climate may be modulated, in part, by changes in the flux of ultraviolet/blue light into the oceans. This occurs, at a range of timescales, through solar variability and from damage to the ozone layer. A conceptual model is presented where, through a number of synergistic processes and positive feedbacks, changes in the ultraviolet/blue flux alter the dimethyl sulphide flux to the atmosphere, and in turn the number of cloud condensation nuclei, cloud albedo, and thus sea surface temperature. The greatest effects are expected in the oligotrophic subtropical oceans, under the Hadley circulation, in summer.