We used the Bartol-NSO-NASA South Pole helioseismic observations of 19
91 January to probe the subsurface structure of active regions to dept
hs of similar to 15,000 km. The helioseismic signature we particularly
examine is intended to register acoustic Doppler effects caused by ho
rizontal flows associated with the active region. We propose to show t
hat the Doppler acoustic signature of horizontal flows is particularly
well suited for deep subsurface diagnostics in terms of vertical disc
rimination of the structure. This study is based primarily on observat
ions of NOAA Active Regions 6431, 6432, 6440, and 6442 between 1991 Ja
nuary 1 and January 8. We interpret the acoustic signatures we find in
terms of a general outflow of the solar medium surrounding the active
region. The acoustic signatures are strongly dependent on wavenumber,
which suggests an outflow that is quite weak near the surface, the up
per 4000 km of the subphotosphere, bur which increases strongly with d
epth to velocities of several hundred meters per second at 15,000 km.
This depth profile evolves rapidly as the active region matures. Young
active regions show a strong outflow signature for waves that explore
depths between 4000 and 8000 km. As the active region matures, the ou
tflow vacates these intermediate layers and submerges to depths mostly
below 8000 km. We examine the location of AR 6442 for a possible pree
mergence signature. We also show evidence for extended, relatively sup
erficial flows in the quiet Sun between the active region bands direct
ed roughly into the active region bands.