Small scale energy release driven by supergranular flows on the quiet Sun

Potts, H.E., Khan, J. and Diver, D. (2007) Small scale energy release driven by supergranular flows on the quiet Sun. Solar Physics, 245(1), pp. 55-68. (doi: 10.1007/s11207-007-9021-7)

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Abstract

In this article we present data and modelling for the quiet Sun that strongly suggest a ubiquitous small-scale atmospheric heating mechanism that is driven solely by converging supergranular flows. A possible energy source for such events is the power transfer to the plasma via the work done on the magnetic field by photospheric convective flows, which exert drag of the footpoints of magnetic structures. In this paper we present evidence of small scale energy release events driven directly by the hydrodynamic forces that act on the magnetic elements in the photosphere, as a result of supergranular scale flows. We show strong spatial and temporal correlation between quiet Sun soft X-ray emission (from <i>Yohkoh</i> and <i>SOHO</i> MDI-derived flux removal events driven by deduced photospheric flows. We also present a simple model of heating generated by flux submergence, based on particle acceleration by converging magnetic mirrors. In the near future, high resolution soft X-ray images from XRT on the <i>Hinode</i> satellite will allow definitive, quantitative verification of our results.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:sun photosphere flows
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Khan, Dr Josef and Potts, Hugh and Diver, Professor Declan
Authors: Potts, H.E., Khan, J., and Diver, D.
Subjects:Q Science > QB Astronomy
Q Science > QC Physics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Research Group:Astronomy
Journal Name:Solar Physics
Publisher:Springer Verlag
ISSN:0038-0938
ISSN (Online):1573-093X
Published Online:23 September 2007
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2007 Springer
First Published:First published in Solar Physics 245(1):55-68
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
465931Solar, stellar and cosmological plasmas: a synthesis of data, modelling and theory.Declan DiverScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/F002149/1Physics and Astronomy