| |
 |
| Paper: |
How Large-scale Flows may Influence Solar Activity? |
| Volume: |
346, Large-scale Structures and their Role in Solar Activity |
| Page: |
19 |
| Authors: |
Hathaway, D. |
| Abstract: |
Large-scale flows within the solar convection zone are the primary drivers of the Sun's magnetic activity cycle and play important roles in shaping the Sun's magnetic field. Differential rotation amplifies the magnetic field through its shearing action and converts poloidal field into toroidal field. Poleward meridional flow near the surface carries magnetic flux that reverses the magnetic poles at about the time of solar maximum. The deeper, equatorward meridional flow can carry magnetic flux back toward the lower latitudes where it erupts through the surface to form tilted active regions that convert toroidal fields into oppositely directed poloidal fields. These axisymmetric flows are themselves driven by large-scale convective motions. The effects of the Sun's rotation on convection produce velocity correlations that can maintain both the differential rotation and the meridional circulation. These convective motions can also influence solar activity directly by shaping the magnetic field pattern. While considerable theoretical advances have been made toward understanding these large-scale flows, outstanding problems in matching theory to observations still remain. |
|
|
|
|
|
