Solar Vortex Tubes: Vortex Dynamics in the Solar Atmosphere

<p>Vortices and vortex tubes are ubiquitous in the solar atmosphere and space plasma. In order to identify vortices and to study their evolution, we seek a suitable mathematical criterium for which a dynamical equation exists. So far, the only option available is given by the vorticity, which however is not the optimal criterion since it can be biased by shear flows. Therefore, we look at another criterion, the swirling strength, for which we found an evolution equation, which we suggest as a novel tool for the analysis of vortex dynamics in (magneto-)hydrodynamics. We highlight a few results obtained by applying the swirling strength and its dynamical equation to simulations of the solar atmosphere.</p>

Download Full-text

Some Problems in Understanding the Solar Corona

International Astronomical Union Colloquium ◽

10.1017/s025292110002491x ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 144 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

A. H. Gabriel

Keyword(s):

Solar Corona ◽

Solar Atmosphere ◽

Theoretical Modelling ◽

Total System ◽

Major Advance ◽

X Ray ◽

Proper Perspective ◽

Space Observations

The development of the physics of the solar atmosphere during the last 50 years has been greatly influenced by the increasing capability of observations made from space. Access to images and spectra of the hotter plasma in the UV, XUV and X-ray regions provided a major advance over the few coronal forbidden lines seen in the visible and enabled the cooler chromospheric and photospheric plasma to be seen in its proper perspective, as part of a total system. In this way space observations have stimulated new and important advances, not only in space but also in ground-based observations and theoretical modelling, so that today we find a well-balanced harmony between the three techniques.

Download Full-text

Influence of Magnetic Fields on Solar Hydrodynamics: Experimental Results

International Astronomical Union Colloquium ◽

10.1017/s025292110005329x ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 36 ◽

pp. 143-180 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

J.O. Stenflo

Keyword(s):

Solar Activity ◽

Energy Balance ◽

Magnetic Fields ◽

Solar Atmosphere ◽

General Problem ◽

Solar Rotation ◽

Active Regions ◽

Physical Conditions ◽

Dynamic Phenomena

It is well-known that solar activity is basically caused by the Interaction of magnetic fields with convection and solar rotation, resulting in a great variety of dynamic phenomena, like flares, surges, sunspots, prominences, etc. Many conferences have been devoted to solar activity, including the role of magnetic fields. Similar attention has not been paid to the role of magnetic fields for the overall dynamics and energy balance of the solar atmosphere, related to the general problem of chromospheric and coronal heating. To penetrate this problem we have to focus our attention more on the physical conditions in the ‘quiet’ regions than on the conspicuous phenomena in active regions.

Download Full-text