National Academy of Sciences Report Released: The Effects of Solar Variability on Earth's Climate: A Workshop Report

National Academy of Sciences Report Released: The Effects of Solar Variability on Earth's Climate: A Workshop Report

by Taryn Rucinski

This week, the National Academies Press (NAP) released a report produced by the Committee on the Effects of Solar Variability on Earth's Climate; Space Studies Board; Division on Engineering and Physical Science; National Research Council titled, The Effects of Solar Variability on Earth's Climate: A Workshop Report (2012). The 70 page report is available free for download (with registration here).  According to the description,

On September 8-9, 2011, experts in solar physics, climate models, paleoclimatology, and atmospheric science assembled at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado for a workshop to consider the Sun's variability over time and potential Sun-climate connection.

While it does not provide findings, recommendations, or consensus on the current state of the science, The Effects of Solar Variability on Earth's Climate: A Workshop Report briefly introduces the primary topics discussed by presenters at the event. As context for these topics, the summary includes background information on the potential Sun-climate connection, the measurement record from space, and potential perturbations of climate due to long-term solar variability. This workshop report also summarizes some of the science questions explored by the participants as potential future research endeavors.