A CURRENT RIBBON MODEL FOR ENERGY-STORAGE AND RELEASE WITH APPLICATION TO THE FLARE OF 7 JANUARY 1992

Observations of the flare on 7 January 1992 are interpreted using a to pological model of the magnetic field. The model, developed here, appl ies a theory of three-dimensional reconnection to the inferred magneti c field configuration for 7 January. In the model field a new bipole ( similar to 10(21) Mr) emerges amidst pre-existing active region flux. This emergence gives rise to two current ribbons along the boundaries (separators) separating the distinct, new and old, flux systems. Sudde n reconnection across these boundary curves transfers similar to 3 x 1 0(20) Mr of flux from the bipole into the surrounding flux. The model also predicts the simultaneous (sympathetic) flaring of the two curren t ribbons. This explains the complex two-loop structure noted in previ ous observations of this fare. We subject the model predictions to com parisons with observations of the hare. The locations of current ribbo ns in the model correspond closely with those of observed soft X-ray l oops. In addition the footpoints and apexes of the ribbons correspond with observed sources of microwave and hard X-ray emission. The magnit ude of energy stored by the current ribbons compares favorably to the inferred energy content of accelerated electrons in the fare.