The European Beech Annual Tree Ring Widths Time Series, Solar–Climatic Relationships and Solar Dynamo Regime Changes

Abstract

In this study, the results from the analysis of annual ring widths (‘Dm’) time series of two “very sensitive” to the climate and solar–climate relationships of long lived European beech (Fagus sylvatica) samples (on age of 209 ± 1 and 245 ± 5 years correspondingly) are discussed. Both series are characterized by very good expressed and relating to the solar magnetic Hale cycle 20–22-year oscillations. A good coincidence between the changes of ‘Dm’ and the growth or fading of the solar magnetic cycle is found. The transition effects at the beginning and ending of the grand Dalton (1793–1833) and Gleissberg minima (1898–1933) are very clearly visible in the annual tree ring width data for the one of beech samples. Some of these effects are also detected in the second sample. The problem for the possible “lost” sunspot cycle at the end of 18th century is also discussed. A prediction for a possible “phase catastrophe” during the future Zurich sunspot cycles 26 and 27 between 2035–2040 AD as well as for general precipitation upward and temperature fall tendencies in Central Bulgaria, more essential after 2030 AD, are brought forth.