Global solar dynamo models: simulations and predictions of cyclic photospheric fields and long-term non-reversing interior fields

Abstract

We review progress made in simulating and predicting principal properties of solar cycles using flux-transport dynamo models and predictive tools. We show that such models provide a consistent plausible theory for the following solar cycle properties: cycle period, phase relation between poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields, field symmetry about the equator, cycle 23 polar field amplitudes and reversal timings, timing of the end of cycle 23, and the relative peaks of cycles 16–23, as well as forecasts for the upcoming peak of cycle 24. The same model is also used to show that so-called ‘interface’ dynamo solutions do not calibrate well to solar observations, and that the current solar dynamo may be a significant source of high amplitude very long lived non-reversing toroidal field in the solar interior.