CORONAL PLASMOID DYNAMICS - I - DISSIPATIVE MHD APPROACH

Energy and momentum balance equations of the dissipative MHD approach are applied to the coronal plasmoid phenomenon observed with the Canad a-France-Hawaii Telescope during the July 11, 1991 total solar eclipse . The situation is marginal for the applicability of the MHD descripti on,which has been used for orders of magnitude estimates of the govern ing physical parameters. Their analysis confirms the suggestion about the possibility for a relatively cold but rapidly moving plasma body t o heat the corona through dissipative viscous effects. It also shows t hat magnetic stresses, gas pressure gradients and viscous drags by the fast plasma flows from the chromosphere are viable candidates to lift the plasmoid against the gravity force.