Simulation of the indirect impact that the 11-year solar cycle has on the gas composition of the atmosphere

An interactive three-dimensional chemistry-climate model combining models of the gas composition and general circulation of the lower and middle atmosphere is used to study the impact of changes in extra-atmospheric solar radiative fluxes induced by solar activity on the stratospheric heating and subsequent temperature and ozone variations in the stratosphere and troposphere. The results have shown that a change in the atmospheric radiative heating resulting from variations in solar activity has a direct effect on the temperature and circulation of the atmosphere. Atmospheric temperature variations affect the rates of temperature-dependent chemical reactions, and this is considered the first type of indirect impact of solar activity on the atmospheric gas composition. On the other hand, as a result of the variation in atmospheric heating, its circulation changes, thus affecting the transport of minor gases into the atmosphere. This effect is considered the second type of indirect impact of solar activity on atmospheric gases. The results of our calculations have shown that both types of indirect impact of the variation in solar activity on the atmospheric gas composition are comparable in order of magnitude to the direct impact of solar activity on atmospheric gases.