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 |
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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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