Simulating solar MHD

Authors
Citation
M. Schussler, Simulating solar MHD, ANN GEOPH, 17(5), 1999, pp. 578-582
Citations number
26
Categorie Soggetti
Space Sciences
Journal title
ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE-ATMOSPHERES HYDROSPHERES AND SPACE SCIENCES
ISSN journal
09927689 → ACNP
Volume
17
Issue
5
Year of publication
1999
Pages
578 - 582
Database
ISI
SICI code
0992-7689(199905)17:5<578:SSM>2.0.ZU;2-J
Abstract
Two aspects of solar MHD are discussed in relation to the work of the MHD s imulation group at KIS, Photospheric magneto-convection, the nonlinear inte raction of magnetic field and convection in a strongly stratified, radiatin g fluid, is a key process of general astrophysical relevance. Comprehensive numerical simulations including radiative transfer have significantly impr oved our understanding of the processes and have become an important tool f or the interpretation of observational data. Examples of field intensificat ion in the solar photosphere ('convective collapse') are shown. The second line of research is concerned with the dynamics of Aux tubes in the convect ion zone, which has far-reaching implications for our understanding of the solar dynamo. Simulations indicate that the field strength in the region wh ere the flux is stored before erupting to form sunspot groups is of the ord er of 10(5) G, an order of magnitude larger than previous estimates based o n equipartition with the kinetic energy of convective flows.