The solar minimum and an increase in volcanic activity — Perspecta Weather

Volcanic eruption

How good is the evidence for such a connection, and what theories do we have? Does a really low solar minimum – like now – make a difference? Here’s PW’s overview of its article.

Over the long term, the sun is the main driver of weather and climate on Earth and it is also directly connected to such phenomenon as the aurora borealis also known as the northern lights, upper atmospheric “high-latitude blocking”, and the influx of cosmic rays into Earth’s atmosphere, says Perspecta Weather.

The aurora borealis tends to occur more often during times of increased solar activity though they can actually take place at any time of a solar cycle.

On the other hand, there is a tendency for more frequent high-latitude blocking events in the atmosphere during periods of low solar activity and these episodes can play an important role in winter weather conditions across the central and eastern US.

The influx of cosmic rays into the Earth’s atmosphere from outer space tends to increase dramatically during solar minimums which we are experiencing at the current time.

Interestingly, there is evidence that solar activity plays a role in volcanic activity on our planet.

In fact, in times of low solar activity such as during the current solar minimum, volcanic activity tends to rise.

Indeed, there has been a significant amount of volcanic activity in recent weeks including the latest eruption in the Philippines.

Continued here.