Effects of cyclic fluctuations in meridional circulation using a low-order dynamo model

Abstract

We develop and subsequently explore the solution space of a simple flux transport dynamo model that incorporates a time-dependent large-scale meridional circulation. Based on recent observations, we prescribed an analytical form for the amplitude of this circulation and study its impact in the evolution of the magnetic field. We find that cyclic variations in the amplitude and frequency of the meridional flow affect the strength of the solar cycle. Variations in the amplitude of the fluctuations influence the shape of the solar cycle but are only relevant to the cycle's strength variations when they occur at a frequency different from or out of phase of the solar cycle's.