Possible variations in atmospheric ozone related to the eleven‐year solar cycle

Abstract

Changes in ozone, temperature, and other minor constituents resulting from eleven‐year variations in the solar flux between 180 and 340 nm are presented. Results were computed using a one‐dimensional time dependent model that allows for all major feedbacks and time delays which may result from changing photolysis rates in the O x ‐ NO x ‐ HO x ‐ CℓO x system. Since the 1950's the chlorine content of the stratosphere has been increasing. The effect of this increase on ozone variability during the last two solar cycles is analyzed. Expected variations in O 3 and temperature resulting from changes in the uv flux are compared to available measurements.