The response of the QBO to zonal-mean ozone perturbations consistent with the 11-year solar cycle

The response of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) to zonal-mean ozone perturbations consistent with the 11-year solar cycle is examined using a 2½ dimensional model of the tropical stratosphere. The model self-consistently accounts for wave driven changes in the zonal-mean circulation and thus can simulate the zonal wind, temperature, and ozone QBOs. Model simulations show that 11-year solar cycle-like perturbations to the zonal-mean ozone field alter both the wave-ozone and zonal-mean ozone feedbacks, which combine to affect the structure and period of the QBO. For conditions representative of solar max (min), the diabatic heating resulting from the wave-ozone feedbacks is primarily responsible for producing a shorter (longer) QBO period. These results are in agreement with observations of quasi-decadal variability associated with the QBO.