The effects of rotation on the evolution of rising omega loops in a stratified model convection zone

We present three-dimensional MHD simulations of buoyant magnetic flux tubes that rise through a stratified model convection zone in the presence of so lar rotation. The equations of MHD are solved in the anelastic approximatio n, and the results are used to determine the effects of solar rotation on t he dynamic evolution of an Omega -loop. We find that the Coriolis force sig nificantly suppresses the degree of fragmentation at the apex of the loop d uring its ascent toward the photosphere. If the initial axial field strengt h of the tube is reduced, then, in the absence of forces due to convective motions, the degree of apex fragmentation is also reduced. Our simulations confirm the results of thin flux-tube calculations that show the leading po larity of an emerging active region positioned closer to the equator than t he trailing polarity and the trailing leg of the loop oriented more vertica lly than the leading leg. We show that the Coriolis force slows the rise of the tube and induces a retrograde flow in both the magnetized and unmagnet ized plasma of an emerging active region. Observationally, we predict that this flow will appear to originate at the leading polarity and will termina te at the trailing polarity.