Solar Variability Traced by Cosmogenic Isotopes

Abstract

10 Be has been measured in a 300 m long ice core from Greenland. After a general analysis of the 10 Be data the potential and the limitations of 10Be records in ice to reconstruct solar variability are discussed. Special emphasis is given to periods of low solar activity (Maunder Minimum etc.). The ‘clock problem’ is addressed, also the question whether the Schwabe cycle maintains its phase. Finally the question of what 10Be can tell us about changes of the solar irradiance in the past is explored.