On the Long-Term Modulation of Solar Differential Rotation

Long-term modulation of solar differential rotation was studied with data from Mt. Wilson and our original observations during Solar Cycles 16 through 23. The results are that i) the global B -value ( i.e. latitudinal gradient of differential rotation) is modulated with a period of about six or seven solar cycles, ii) the B -values of the northern and southern hemispheres are also modulated with a period similar to the global one, but iii) they show quasi-oscillatory behavior with a phase shift between them. We examined the yearly fluctuations of the B -values in every solar cycle with reference to the phase of the sunspot cycle and found that the B -values in the sunspot-minimum years show large and erratic variations, while those in the sunspot-maximum years show small fluctuations. Positive correlation between the former B -values and the latter was found. We discuss the independent long-term behavior of solar differential rotation between the northern and southern solar hemispheres and the implication for the solar dynamo.