Cross-hemispheric coupling in a Babcock-Leighton model of the solar cycle

In this paper, I present some exploratory dynamo calculations illustrating the influence of cross-hemispheric coupling in solar cycle models based on the Babcock-Leighton mechanism of poloidal field regeneration. Using two very distinct formulations of Babcock Leighton dynamos, I examine the issues of cross-hemispheric phase lag, interference, and synchronization of Maunder-Minimum-like episodes of suppressed activity. Although covering only a small fraction of the model's relevant parameter space, results presented here suggest that additional effects, such as transequatorial flows for example, may be required to achieve sufficient cross-hemi spheric coupling in this class of solar cycle models. (C) 2007 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.