Solar Cycle Asymmetry as a Consequence of Fluctuations in Dynamo Parameters

Abstract

The duration of activity growths in solar cycles is on average shorter than the duration of its declines. This asymmetry can result from fluctuations in dynamo parameters. A solar dynamo model with fluctuations in the α-effect shows the statistical asymmetry which increases with both fluctuation amplitude and coherence time. An interpretation for the asymmetry origin is suggested, which predicts a correlation between the asymmetry measure and delay of the polar field reversals relative to the activity maxima. Data on the twelve latest solar cycles confirm such a correlation.