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Paper: |
Seismology and the Dynamo: History and Prospects |
Volume: |
416, Solar-Stellar Dynamos as Revealed by Helio- and Asteroseismology: GONG 2008/SOHO 21 |
Page: |
3 |
Authors: |
Cally, P. S. |
Abstract: |
The rapid "advances" in our knowledge and understanding of solar and stellar
dynamos that resulted from the development of mean-field dynamo theory were
sent into even more rapid retreat in the 1980s by difficulties in explaining
observed features of the solar cycle, and especially by the new
helioseismically derived differential rotation profiles. The climb back out
of the mire has been slow and uncertain. A promising–but by no means
universally accepted–route is afforded by the resurrection of
Babcock-Leighton (flux transport) models of the dynamo, where meridional
circulation plays a dominant "conveyor belt" role, aided and abetted by
other near-surface flow patterns which disperse old flux poleward. In this
brief overview, we review what helioseismology has told us about meridional
and near-surface flows, and muse on the prospects for improved flow
measurements in the future.
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